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Installing protective motorsport fence, Silverstone

Silverstone Set to Bring Fans Closer to the Action

8 December 2022

Spectators to move closer to track at high-speed Wellington Straight. Use of latest Geobrugg fences gives fans better view while keeping them safe.

Silverstone is using the latest Geobrugg fencing to bring fans closer to the action on the inside of its high-speed Wellington Straight. These works will move the fencing at the Silverstone Fan Zone around 15 m closer to the track thanks to the installation of the Geobrugg mobile debris fence system.

A total length of 248 m of fencing is being brought forward, leading down to the inside of Brooklands before stopping just before Luffield.

Lee Howkins, Circuit Manager at Silverstone said that the development has been made possible due to the use of the unique Geobrugg fences, enhancing safety for drivers and allowing better viewing for spectators. Howkins said: «It's a fully homologated system with the FIA and FIM. 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. We want to make sure we’re giving the fans the best experience and the best views.»

The mobile debris fence system meets the highest FIA standards and allows for a quick and simple installation process. It is also easy to move for future adaptions. These fences must pass strict FIA tests to be used on an F1 circuit, including catching a 780 kg sphere fired from a cannon at 60 kph and a full-size car impacting at 120 kph at an angle of 20-degrees.

Dromo Circuit Design helped with the redevelopment, providing its simulations to make sure the new fence placement would still keep spectators, drivers and marshals safe. Jarno Zaffelli, CEO of Dromo Circuit Design, said: «We decided to use this system, not only because it's FIA approved but because it’s very easy to install and if we have to move it slightly or adjust something, we can. It was a no brainer.»

Jochen Braunwarth, Geobrugg’s Director of Motorsport Solutions, said: «We’re excited to be part of the redevelopment plans at Silverstone. By bringing in our mobile debris fences, we can safely give spectators at the Wellington Straight a fantastic view of the track.»

Work is expected to be completed by Christmas, ready for the 2023 season.

Click here to download images

For further info, contact: Jochen Braunwarth

 

About Geobrugg AG
Geobrugg AG develops and manufactures protection systems made of high-tensile steel wire. These systems protect against natural hazards such as rockfall, landslides, debris flow, and avalanches. They ensure safety in mining and tunneling, and on motorsport circuits to stop impacts from falling or flying objects. Geobrugg has 340 specialists worldwide, production facilities on five continents, as well as branches and partners in over 50 countries.