‘New’ Circuito de Navarra reopens, revitalised for a bright future

17 September 2024

‘New’ Circuito de Navarra reopens, revitalised for a bright future

17 September 2024

Circuito de Navarra reopened its gates last week following the completion of a multi-million Euro redevelopment by MotorSport Vision (MSV). The extensive alterations made this year are the most significant in the venue’s history, and have culminated in a much faster, more flowing layout with a completely new 650 metre extension.

The conclusion of this project heralds in an exciting new era for the circuit, which has been upgraded across a series of improvement projects ever since MSV added the venue to its portfolio in November 2022. And the recently completed works realise the vision set out by MSV Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer shortly after his organisation’s takeover of the venue.

The plans for a new layout were first conceived shortly after 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.

Investment in the venue has been almost ceaseless ever since. 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 a major two-stage redevelopment including amendments to the circuit layout itself. Splitting the works into two enabled the construction to be carried out in traditionally quieter parts of the year, keeping disruption to the schedule of planned race events and track days to a minimum.

Phase 1: Resurfacing, bump removal and Turn 6 realignment

This initial stage of works was carried out between January and March 2024, 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 reprofiled 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.

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.

MSV ensured the project was carried out to the highest and most exacting construction methods. This was achieved by using a range of external contractors to manage the various specialised areas of work. Driven International converted Palmer’s vision for the venue into a detailed architectural plan, with Obras Especiales managing 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 have been used to ensure a high grip, premium quality racing surface.

Changes to the configuration come in tandem with a detailed overhaul of trackside safety features to reflect the nature of the new course, with new kerbs, runoff and drainage features in addition to marshal posts. The circuit also now benefits from the presence of EM light panels as a key improvement to trackside safety systems following their installation earlier in the year.

Altogether, the redevelopment represents the biggest transformation of any MSV venue since the Snetterton 300 circuit was created ahead of the 2011 season.

Circuito de Navarra is now open and ready to host a busy calendar of events during the remaining weeks of this year. Initial car and bike track days have already taken place, with race events following from October including the MSVR Autumn Festival, Navarra Historic Festival and the Spanish Superbike Championship. The renewed Circuito de Navarra is also available for testing and exclusive track hire.