Silverstone leave the wing

Silverstone has announced today that they will be leaving the “wing” pit complex and returning to the “national paddock” for 2013.

Silverstone officials state that the move will be made to help concentrate all the paddocks, entertainment and prime viewing locations into one area, with the ‘main aim of giving racing fans an even better experience’, something that wasn’t achievable with the new £27m “wing”.

“The paddocks will be less spread out and closer to all the off-track entertainment, creating an even better atmosphere,” said Silverstone managing director Richard Phillips.

“It also means Copse will become the first corner, once again, which was always popular with riders and fans alike. It is a shame we won’t be using the Wing Paddock for this year’s MotoGP but, until we have the funds to build a bridge or tunnel connecting the outside of the circuit with The Wing, the National Paddock is a more accessible facility for fans.”

Over the past two years, the circuit has had to operate two paddocks for MotoGP, split between The Wing and National complexes.

“We are also in agreement with Dorna that it makes sense to host all of the paddocks in the same location. When you add Moto2, Moto3 and the various support classes, MotoGP’s paddock requirement is larger than that of F1.

“Previously these have been split over two sites, so moving them all together will be far more convenient for all involved.”

Phillips also said that all spectators who have purchased ‘Reserved’ tickets for Abbey Grandstand, at what would have been the first corner, will be contacted and given the option to exchange their ticket for an alternative location.