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Silverstone implementing debris fencing changes for 2023

Silverstone is making changes to the placement of fencing along the Wellington Straight into Brooklands and Luffield, which will ready in time for the 2023 British Grand Prix.

It's hoped that this will bring fans closer to the action, with organisers ensuring that there will be no adverse impact in safety for drivers and for those watching from the spectator fan zone.

A total length of 248m of unique debris fencing supplied by Swiss company Geobrugg is being moved forward by 15m, getting fans closer and giving them better visibility of the on-track spectacle.

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‘It’s a fully homologated system with the FIA and FIM,” commented Silverstone Circuit manager Lee Howkins.

“With the speed of the straight and the new safety aspects of Formula 1, it was the right time to move to the Geobrugg system," he added. "We want to make sure we’re giving the fans the best experience and the best views.”

The Geobrugg fencing allows for a quick and simple installation process and is in use at all Grade 1 circuits having passed tests including catching a 780kg sphere fired at 60 kph and a full-size car impacting at a 20-degree angle.

“We’re excited to be part of the redevelopment plans at Silverstone," said Jochen Braunwarth, director of motorsport solution at Geobrugg.

“By bringing in our mobile debris fences, we can safely give spectators at the Wellington Straight a fantastic view of the track.”

The redevelopment has been done in partnership with Dromo Circuit design, who carried out simulations to ensure the new placement of the debris fences woudl meet safety requirements.

“We decided to use this system, not only because it's FIA approved but because it’s very easy to install," said Dromo CEO Jarno Zaffelli. "If we have to move it slightly or adjust something, we can. It was a no brainer.”

The work should be completed this month, meaning that it will be ready for all races held at Silverstone in 2023 - including the British Grand Prix schedules for July 9.

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Andrew Lewin

Andrew first became a fan of Formula 1 during the time when Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill were stepping into the limelight after the era of Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Aryton Senna. He's been addicted ever since, and has been writing about the sport now for nearly a quarter of a century for a number of online news sites. He's also written professionally about GP2 (now Formula 2), GP3, IndyCar, World Rally Championship, MotoGP and NASCAR. In his other professional life, Andrew is a freelance writer, social media consultant, web developer/programmer, and digital specialist in the fields of accessibility, usability, IA, online communities and public sector procurement. He worked for many years in magazine production at Bauer Media, and for over a decade he was part of the digital media team at the UK government's communications department. Born and raised in Essex, Andrew currently lives and works in south-west London.