Silverstone to boast 182km/h MotoGP lap?

Silverstone could become the fastest circuit in the MotoGP World Championship, when it joins the calendar from 2010.

Track modifications (see earlier story) at the Northamptonshire circuit will raise the track length to 5.67 kilometres, which is 0.53 kilometres longer than the existing Grand Prix circuit.

Despite its length, the fast and flowing track - subject to final homologation - contains just three tight corners and a mathematical simulation has calculated that the average lap time for MotoGP riders would be 1min 51.456sec, at an average speed of 182km/h (113mph).

That is 3km/h faster than Phillip Island, home of the Australian Grand Prix, which is currently the fastest circuit in MotoGP.

A simulated lap of the new Silverstone would take 1min 27.761sec in an F1 car - due to the increased performance possible using four wheels, downforce and a 2.4 litre engine - at an average speed of 228km/h (142mph).

However, whilst the MotoGP prediction will be tested in race conditions next season, the new Silverstone circuit is not expected to hold an F1 grand prix in the near future.

Instead Donington Park, which will host the 2009 British MotoGP round, will take over the British F1 GP from 2010. Donington is also undergoing a redesign for next season.

Data summary:New track length: 5.67km (existing Grand Prix circuit: 5.14km) Track width:15mSimulation for F1 lap time: 1min 27.761sec, average speed 228km/h (142mph)Simulation for MotoGP lap time: 1min 51.456sec, average speed 182km/h (113mph)