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Silverstone will stage this year’s British Grand Prix on its new ‘Arena’ circuit after the revised layout won approval from Bernie Ecclestone’s Formula One Management.

Much of the traditional Silverstone circuit – which will still be used for other events – is retained in the new layout, but instead of heading into Farm Straight, Bridge and Priory, drivers will now turn right at Abbey corner on to a new section of track.

Silverstone has invested more than £5m on the redevelopment, with work scheduled for completion in March.

Away from the track, the Northamptonshire venue is making a number of improvements to its spectator viewing areas. In addition to constructing elevated viewing banks, existing grandstands and fence lines are being moved to bring fans closer to the action.

Richard Phillips, managing director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, said: “The new sections of circuit were initially brought in to comply with MotoGP safety regulations, but the Arena complex was always designed with both two and four-wheeled racing in mind.

“We have been very careful, working closely with drivers and riders, to make sure we are improving and enhancing what Silverstone already has to offer – from a drivers’, riders’ and spectators’ point of view.

“Some will miss not seeing modern-day F1 cars accelerating through Bridge, but we have to move with the times and continue looking at ways to improve the overall experience.

“The new layout will bring an extra dimension to Silverstone, a new challenge for the drivers, and will enable fans to get closer to the action. We have a very exciting year ahead of us, with F1, MotoGP and World Superbikes all coming to Silverstone, and I can’t wait to see how the drivers and riders tackle the new circuit.”

Work on Silverstone’s new pit and paddock complex, to be located between Club and Abbey, is scheduled to be carried out between the spring of 2010 and the summer of 2011. Included in the complex will be new garages, a race control building, media centre, hospitality and VIP spectator zones, and a primary paddock.