Work is underway to redevelop Donington Park motor racing circuit in the UK in readiness for the 2010 British Formula 1 Grand Prix.
A major cut and cover tunnel to provide ready access to the infield area pits and paddock complex required for access to the track is complete, and the iconic3219 Dunlop pedestrian bridge that has straddled the circuit in county Leicestershire for more than 30 years has been carefully taken down by Armac Group's demolition team. It will be resited elsewhere at the circuit venue.
Circuit owner Simon Gillett said: "As a motorsport enthusiast I am sorry to see the Dunlop bridge coming down
"However, this work signals the fast-paced progression that we continue to make with our redevelopment programme, and is a further demonstration of our commitment to delivering on this project."
Donington Park will host the British F1 Grand Prix for a decade from July 2010, and it was given permission to proceed with planned circuit developments in January. The first stage of improvements include new pits, media centre and hospitality suites as well as realignment, widening and extension of existing track, two new vehicle access tunnels and widening of a pedestrian tunnel.
Contractor Amphion Construction has been appointed, and German consultant Tilke has carried out the design work on the buildings and the circuit.
Tilke architect Peter Wahl has worked extensively on the Donington Park redevelopment project with partner Herman Tilke.
Tilke has designed many of the world's newest circuits, but Donington Park is the company's first project in England.
"The long straight will be very fast, but then it goes into a slow hairpin and I believe that will create the perfect overtaking place, and that is what we need, more overtaking, more excitement," said Wahl.
A major cut and cover tunnel to provide ready access to the infield area pits and paddock complex required for access to the track is complete, and the iconic
Circuit owner Simon Gillett said: "As a motorsport enthusiast I am sorry to see the Dunlop bridge coming down
"However, this work signals the fast-paced progression that we continue to make with our redevelopment programme, and is a further demonstration of our commitment to delivering on this project."
Donington Park will host the British F1 Grand Prix for a decade from July 2010, and it was given permission to proceed with planned circuit developments in January. The first stage of improvements include new pits, media centre and hospitality suites as well as realignment, widening and extension of existing track, two new vehicle access tunnels and widening of a pedestrian tunnel.
Contractor Amphion Construction has been appointed, and German consultant Tilke has carried out the design work on the buildings and the circuit.
Tilke architect Peter Wahl has worked extensively on the Donington Park redevelopment project with partner Herman Tilke.
Tilke has designed many of the world's newest circuits, but Donington Park is the company's first project in England.
"The long straight will be very fast, but then it goes into a slow hairpin and I believe that will create the perfect overtaking place, and that is what we need, more overtaking, more excitement," said Wahl.
