Circuito de Navarra’s second phase of redevelopment is rapidly progressing ahead of the venue’s reopening in September 2024. The site closed for the completion of this year’s multi-million Euro upgrade programme last month, with this second major revision including the most significant alterations to the track layout in the circuit’s history.

The shape of the new track layout over a 750 metre section from Turn 10 to Turn 15 is now clearly visible as the base stone is compacted, on top of foundations up to 2 metres deep to ensure the stability of the new construction.  

From Turn 10 the new track climbs up to a new Turn 11 banked hairpin, then sweeps downhill, through a gentle left curve, Turn 12, then a short straight leading to the fast right hand bend Turn 13, then a faster still left curve which leads back to the original Turn 14, a slow right hander.

The project has been overseen by the circuit team, with Venue Facilities Operations Manager José Luis Berne in constant liaison with primary construction contractors Obras Especiales and engineering consultancy, EPTISA. All involved in the circuit layout alterations are working from engineering drawings from Driven International, based on initial circuit redesigns sketched by MSV Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer.

Jonathan has taken an active role in monitoring the project and was especially impressed with the rate of development following a recent visit to MSV’s Spanish circuit.

Palmer said: “This project is going to be transformational for Circuito de Navarra, perhaps even to a greater extent than many initially imagined. The new circuit layout is really starting to take shape and you can really visualise what a huge difference it’s going to make. The track won’t just be faster and more flowing, but significant elevation changes will add another dimension too. It’s going to be altogether more satisfying and challenging for those on two or four wheels.

“The project has taken much more work than I had imagined, and everybody involved has done a superb job, both those working as part of our regular circuit staff and those representing our primary contractors Obras Especiales and EPTISA.”

Preliminary work on the second phase began in June before the full closure last month, with MSV making most of the traditionally quiet height of summer months in Spain. The circuit will reopen in September with a busy programme of events scheduled for the rest of the year, with customers already very excited about the changes.