Tarmac on track at Silverstone

Bespoke resurfacing work commences at world-famous Grand Prix racing circuit in Northamptonshire 

TARMAC have commenced construction work on a major project to resurface the world-famous Silverstone Grand Prix circuit in Northamptonshire.

The company is laying a bespoke high-tech surface, designed and developed by circuit designers Dromo and specifically engineered for the Silverstone track, in time for the venue’s international showpiece events, including next month’s Formula One British Grand Prix and the GoPro British MotoGP Grand Prix in August.

The work is being carried out under the guidance of internationally renowned motorsport track expert Jarno Zaffelli, who has been appointed by Silverstone to design the resurfacing and oversee the planning of the crucial project.

The essential track maintenance work started on 10 June following months of meticulous planning and materials trials. Tarmac are using state-of-the art automated paving technology, including Topcon 3D-scanning machines, during the removal of the existing track surface to improve circuit gradients, enhance drainage and eliminate bumps in the surface, and to enhance and improve quality during the laying and compaction of the asphalt.

The track will be laid by three paving machines running in echelon to deliver a joint-free surface across the width of the track. Thermometers, sensors and GPS tracking systems fitted to the construction plant will provide real-time data, allowing the team to control, with precision, the installation of the new circuit.

Prior to start of the project, Tarmac’s team received a briefing from a former member of the Red Arrows as part of a session to drive continuous improvement in high-performing teams.

Paul Fleetham, managing director of Tarmac’s Contracting business, said: ‘Our approach to delivering this prestigious project blends the expertise of our people with the latest innovations in digital construction technology.

‘We are building on our track record of resurfacing other race circuits as well as our experience laying asphalt on the runways of major international airports, which also require the same levels of exacting technical capability.’

Silverstone’s managing director, Stuart Pringle, said: ‘We are delighted to see Tarmac getting to work on the resurfacing and excited to see the cutting-edge technology being used to complete the resurfacing of our famous racing circuit. The planning has taken months to fine-tune and we are confident the finished circuit will work to ensure the future of all of our track and racing events.’

Tarmac’s technical experts are manufacturing a highly durable asphalt solution, engineered and developed for Silverstone by Dromo, and ensuring CE compliance for the bespoke mixture, which is engineered to withstand the high demands and stresses of vehicles competing in professional racing series.

The unique mix, which uses a polymer-modified binder from Shell Bitumen, has been designed to deliver excellent levels of grip while being robust enough to withstand the iconic track’s high-durability requirements.