Skip to main content

Iconic Dunlop bridge replaced

Work is underway to redevelop Donington Park motor racing circuit in the UK in readiness for the 2010 British Formula 1 Grand Prix.
February 24, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
Work is underway to redevelop Donington Park motor racing circuit in the UK in readiness for the 2010 British Formula 1 Grand Prix.

A major cut and cover tunnel to provide ready access to the infield area pits and paddock complex required for access to the track is complete, and the iconic 3219 Dunlop pedestrian bridge that has straddled the circuit in county Leicestershire for more than 30 years has been carefully taken down by Armac Group's demolition team. It will be resited elsewhere at the circuit venue.

Circuit owner Simon Gillett said: "As a motorsport enthusiast I am sorry to see the Dunlop bridge coming down
"However, this work signals the fast-paced progression that we continue to make with our redevelopment programme, and is a further demonstration of our commitment to delivering on this project."

Donington Park will host the British F1 Grand Prix for a decade from July 2010, and it was given permission to proceed with planned circuit developments in January. The first stage of improvements include new pits, media centre and hospitality suites as well as realignment, widening and extension of existing track, two new vehicle access tunnels and widening of a pedestrian tunnel.

Contractor Amphion Construction has been appointed, and German consultant Tilke has carried out the design work on the buildings and the circuit.
Tilke architect Peter Wahl has worked extensively on the Donington Park redevelopment project with partner Herman Tilke.

Tilke has designed many of the world's newest circuits, but Donington Park is the company's first project in England.

"The long straight will be very fast, but then it goes into a slow hairpin and I believe that will create the perfect overtaking place, and that is what we need, more overtaking, more excitement," said Wahl.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Podium finish for Indonesia’s new racetrack paver
    November 23, 2021
    The first machines to complete a circuit of Indonesia’s new Mandalika International motorsport track were a series of Bomag pavers and rollers. They can claim a best-in-class finish when it comes to creating the ultimate surface for a competitive racing track.
  • Singapore F1 racetrack uses Shell technology
    July 20, 2012
    The Singapore Grand Prix at the end of September was a race to remember for many reasons. Formula One's first night race saw excitement on the track, and it was a test for the high-performance surface containing Shell premium grade bitumen binder Cariphalte Racetrack. The inaugural Singapore Grand Prix was staged on a new street circuit and is open to regular motorists. Work on the track started in April 2008 and was completed in just two months. Because the road circuit is used for everyday traffic, the ne
  • Bomag comes in first
    November 23, 2021
    Bomag equipment was essential for constructing the Mandalika circuit, according to R3, the project’s asphalt technical consultant.
  • Trimble’s milling technology wins at Misano World Circuit
    April 4, 2016
    As Europe’s motorcycle racing season gets underway this year, Trimble employees will be avidly following the competitions at one venue in particular – Italy’s Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. A Trimble solution recently helped to efficiently reconstruct the racing surface at Misano, about 14km south-east of the Italian city of Rimini on the eastern Adriatic coast. Since 1991, the racetrack has hosted the World Superbike Championship and, since 2007, the San Marino and Rimini's Coast motorcycle Gran