The plans were first conceived shortly after MSV Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer sampled the circuit at the wheel of a GT3 car in January 2023. And whilst the venue was already very good in many areas, it was immediately apparent that there was scope for a dramatic improvement. It was shortly after this, whilst enjoying lunch with racer, team principal and event organiser Javier Morcillo in the local Villa de Los Arcos, that Palmer began to sketch the outline for what would ultimately become the new configuration.

Splitting these major works into two enabled the construction to be carried out in quieter parts of the year, keeping disruption to the schedule of race events and track days to a minimum.

2024 Phase 1: Resurfacing, bump removal and Turn 6 realignment

This initial stage was carried out between January and March, and included a major resurfacing, with the removal of some long established bumps, particularly at the start/finish line and on the approach to Turn 5.

Turn 6 was also re-profiled from a slow left-hander to a much faster corner and effectively a continuation of Turn 5, with trackside drainage and runoff being adjusted accordingly. EM light panels were also installed.

2024 Phase 2: 650 metre extension with all-new Turn 11, 12, 13 and 14

The second and more comprehensive stage of works began in July and was completed during the first week of September, and featured the most notable revisions to the circuit. These were primarily centred around the addition of a 650-metre circuit extension which adds a straight, a banked hairpin and an all-new sequence of high-speed, flowing corners, as well as new elevation changes. New kerbs, runoff and drainage have all been added, in addition to marshal posts

Driven International converted Palmer’s vision for the venue into a detailed architectural plan, whilst Obras Especiales managed the construction, with oversight from engineering consultants EPTISA. The final asphalting phase was carried out by Asfaltia, with state-of-the-art Leica 3D road planning technology ensuring the utmost levels of precision. Carefully graded aggregates and advanced polymer modified bitumen binder were used to ensure a high grip, premium quality racing surface.

The culmination of two years' improvement works

Investment in the venue has been almost ceaseless ever since MSV's takeover. Initial changes in 2023 included a refurbishment of the circuit restaurant, race control and VIP suites and a range of aesthetic improvements, before the announcement of the major two-stage redevelopment including amendments to the circuit layout itself.