He Navarre Circuit reopened last week after completing a multi-million dollar renovation by Motorsport Vision (MSV). The changes made to the layout throughout this year have been the most significant reforms in the history of the circuit, and the result is a much faster and more fluid layout, with a brand new 650 meter modification.
The completion of this project heralds a nnew and exciting era for the circuitwhich has been modernised through a series of improvement projects since MSV added the facility to its portfolio in November 2022. The recently completed works bring to life the vision set out by MSV CEO, Jonathan Palmershortly after his organization took over the circuit.
Plans for a new layout were drawn up shortly after Palmer tested the circuit driving a GT3 in January 2023. And while the circuit was already very good in many respects, it quickly became clear that there was room for substantial improvement. Shortly after, during a meal with driver, team manager and event organiser Javier Morcillo at Restaurant Villa de Los Arcos, Palmer began sketching out what would become the new network configuration.
Since then, investment in the circuit has been almost non-stop. The first changes in 2023 included a renovation of the circuit restaurant, race direction and Control Tower VIP Roomsas well as a series of aesthetic improvements, before the announcement of a major two-phase renovation that included significant changes to the main circuit layout.
THE division of work into two phases This allowed the work to be carried out during generally quieter times of the year, so that the events calendar was affected as little as possible.
Phase 1: Resurfacing, removal of potholes and redevelopment of turn 6
This first phase of work took place between January and early March 2024 and included significant resurfacing, with the elimination of certain old potholes, particularly on the main straight and on the approach to turns 5 – 6.
Turn 6 has also changed from a slow left turn to a much faster and smoother curvein fact, a continuation of turn 5, with the consequent adjustment of drainage and corresponding runoff.
Phase 2: Redevelopment of 650 meters with new curves 11, 12, 13 and 14
THE second phase Most of the work began in July and was completed during the first week of September. This focused mainly on the renovation of the 650 meter circuitwhich adds a straight, a banked hairpin and an all-new sequence of fast, flowing turns, as well as new elevation changes.
MSV ensured that the project was carried out using the most demanding construction methods. To achieve this, it turned to a series of external contractors who were responsible for the various specialist areas of work. International Driving He transformed Palmer’s vision for the place into a detailed architectural plan and Special Works undertook construction, under the supervision of EPTISA engineering office.
The final asphalting phase has taken place Asphalt loadwith the most modern planning technology 3D Roads from Leica, which guarantees the highest levels of precision. Carefully graded aggregates and an advanced polymer-modified bitumen binder have been used to ensure a high-grip, high-quality racing surface.
The layout changes are accompanied by a detailed review of trackside safety features to reflect the nature of the new layout, with new kerbs, emergency exits and drainage, in addition to marshal stations. The circuit also now benefits from the presence of EM light panels as a key improvement to track security systems after they are installed earlier this year.
Overall, the remodeling represents the largest transformation of a MSV Circuit since it was created Snetterton 300 Circuit before the 2011 season.
