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Anglo-French team to design new F1 circuit in France
UK based Apex Circuit Design Ltd., Scott Wilson Group plc and Ridge and Partners LLP have teamed with the French consortium of Wilmotte and Associates SA, SNC Lavalin and Sogreah to design and oversee construction of the new Formula 1 circuit to be built in France, officially launched today at a press conference in Versailles.
The circuit will be located in the municipalities of Flins-sur-Seine and Les Mureaux just west of Paris in the Département des Yvelines and is anticipated to see the rebirth of Formula 1 in France. Since before the last French Grand Prix at Magny Cours in 2008 there has been a search for a suitable replacement location. Design work will start immediately, with the track due to be completed in spring 2011 in time to be able to host the French Grand Prix later that summer.
Internationally renowned Apex Circuit Design invited long term technical partners Scott Wilson and Ridge to provide design services, including track civil engineering, project management and quantity surveying to the lead consultant, France’s premier architect, Wilmotte and Associates. In addition, SNC-Lavalin will be the engineering consultant for all buildings and will be lead project cost consultant, with Sogreah acting as water consultant. The overall client is the conseil general des Yvelines and public funding has been secured for the project.
The project site provides an ideal setting for a national sporting venue as it is adjacent to the River Seine and has a gently undulating topography and rural feel, despite the nearby urban zones. The proposed design by Apex will offer a challenging drive, multiple overtaking opportunities and an exciting and interesting spectator experience. The circuit will be integrated into a new parkland landscape and will be engineered to reduce flood impact, enhance ground water protection, and apply best-practice for noise attenuation.
Clive Bowen, Managing Director of Apex observed at the public announcement, “we’re delighted to team with such a prestigious group and have enjoyed building a rapport with our French co-consultants”. He added “we look forward to introducing a new era of exciting, interesting and safe Formula One circuits which will be modest in cost but of great value to the sport and industry.”
Guy Austin, the Equity Partner at Ridge who runs motorsport projects for the company followed by saying; “our philosophy to manage project cost and schedule through design to conclusion of construction is proven in motorsport”. He went on to say “we’ve now teamed with Apex and Scott Wilson on several projects and are genuinely excited by the additional partnership with Wilmotte and the French team”.
John Horgan, Scott Wilson’s Group Managing Director of International Operations, commented; “This prominent project marks the revival of F1 in France. The new world-class track will add to the excitement of the sport, rivalling its international counterparts. We are delighted to be part of such a skilled UK team to design this state-of-the-art facility and to be at the forefront of motorsport design services.”
For further information from Apex, please contact Sam Collins on 07814 970734 or at sam.collins@apexcircuitdesign.com
For further information from Ridge, please contact Mark Nieuwenhuys on 07967 059 007 or at markn@ridge.co.uk
For further information from Scott Wilson, please contact Rachel Brierley on 020 7821 4166 or at rachel.brierley@scottwilson.com
