London proposed to create a novel urban Formula 1 race. The ambitious plan to transform the waterfront area of east London, the Docklands, and organize a Formula 1 race there was presented by the LDN Collective, a group of environmental and construction experts, and the consultancy DAR.
As part of their commitment to create a “world-renowned destination for sports, leisure and entertainment”, they seek to conduct a Formula 1 London Grand Prix on a high-speed street circuit. There is talk of 2026.
The proposed layout, which is 3.64 miles long (5.858 kilometers), will feature 22 corners at an average speed of 204 km/h to create an estimated lap time of 1’42”.
Long stretches of full throttle will be combined with heavy braking zones to theoretically increase overtaking opportunities. The track bills itself as the British equivalent of Montreal’s Circuit de Gilles Villeneuve.
That London Grand Prix is held in addition to the British Grand Prix, which is still at Silverstone.
The proposed redevelopment of the Docklands grounds (that area of London) features heavy use of floating modules that can form cycling and running tracks, but are then dismantled to reveal an FIA-class circuit surface.
The floating units will be temporarily reused to create stands with a total capacity of 95,000 spectators and recreational facilities at the foot of the track.
A “unique” pitlane is also planned. It will run on the first floor service and charging platform of the ExCeL Centre, venue of the Formula E London ePrix.
This raised platform will serve to increase the track’s visual areas and, according to computer-generated images, will allow a grandstand to be placed on the main straight, between the track and the pitlane.
F1 has flirted with the idea of a London Grand Prix time and again. In early 2010, then F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone studied a street circuit that would pass the capital’s most famous landmarks, including Buckingham Palace. Also Liberty Media, the current owner of F1, once suggested going to London, and encouraged Silverstone to negotiate protection clauses when formalizing his new contract in 2019.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
