Alonso: New Aston factory a 'game changer, second to none'

Aston Martin officially opened its new state-of-the art headquarters at Silverstone this week, and Fernando Alonso believes the team's new installations are "second to none" in F1.

The first of three purpose-built buildings constructed in Silverstone will serve as the primary hub for the team's growing workforce.

Simultaneously, a dedicated wind tunnel is reaching its halfway point in the construction process. Additionally, plans are underway to replace the original factory building, erected by Jordan Grand Prix back to 1992, with a modernized facility in the near future.

Aston's new headquarters covers a space of 37,000m2 (400,000sqft) and is F1’s first totally new team base for almost two decades and will be home to over 700 of the team's employees.

"Our new AMR Technology Campus is being built around our people," commented Aston Martin Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll.

"It will make designing, constructing and operating race-winning Formula 1 cars better, and it is also the most sustainable campus the sport has ever seen.

"Our new home is a bold statement about how Aston Martin will operate in the years ahead. A premium, ultra-luxury environment, befitting the brand, we want this to be an amazing place, giving our colleagues, partners, and visitors a sense of comfort, creativity, and pride.

"With the AMR Technology Campus, we have created an attractive place to work that will prioritise the wellness of our colleagues, while giving us a boost in the pursuit of on-track performance."

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Lance Stroll christened the new facility by driving an Aston Martin F1 car around the campus and through the new building's main walkway.

"To be able to drive one of our cars down the main street in front of my colleagues was a special moment and I'm proud to have played my part in the launch celebrations," said the young Canadian.

Watching on, Alonso was "incredibly impressed" with his team's new facility and the prospects it embodies.

"I’m incredibly impressed by our new home," he said. "From the Design Office to Mission Control, all the facilities are second to none and I see a lot of smiles when I walk around.

"To win in this sport you need to excel at everything, and this new facility is a game changer. It’s a true signal of intent to enable us to fight for world championships."

Aston Martin says its new technology campus also delivers a biodiversity net gain through the creation of over 72,000m2 of wild meadow, the planting of over 1,500 UK native and grown trees, 10,000m2 of lawn, and over 30,000 additional shrubs and plants.

"The new site sees the installation of accessible routes to the campus for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport," stated the team.

"Dedicated electric vehicle fast charging points are available and staff are encouraged to join the company-supported electric car scheme. Employee well-being programmes include the construction of a fitness centre in the second phase of the development will complement walking and exercise routes around the grounds."

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