Following the problems associated with Silverstone’s 2018 surface and the cancellation of that year’s British MotoGP, Dromo was engaged in late 2018 to investigate the track and define the 2019 resurfacing strategy. Dromo engineered the bespoke asphalt specification and construction methodology; Tarmac carried out the works under specialist guidance. The new surface was laid in June 2019 ahead of the British Formula 1 and MotoGP events.
COUNTRY:
United Kingdom
TEAM LEADER:
Jarno Zaffelli
PROJECT TEAM:
Francesco Grana (Head of Circuit Design),
Federico Vennarucci (Head of Engineering Design),
Alberto Marzi (Technical Director),
Orazio Bonassi (Pavement Specialist),
Paolo Ferrari (Pavement Specialist),
Massimiliano Melloni (Site Manager),
Gabriele Feniello.
CONTRACTOR:
Tarmac Ltd
WORK:
Investigation, engineering, resurfacing
MIX CODENAME:
BriWEC™
YEAR:
2019
Project engineering in detail
Diagnosing geometry, drainage and surface performance
The programme began with forensic analysis rather than a like-for-like replacement. Three-dimensional scanning supported the removal of the previous surface and helped identify bumps, gradients and water-management issues. The design introduced geometric corrections and local crowns to encourage drainage while maintaining the fast character of the Grand Prix circuit.
A bespoke mix and joint-free paving strategy
Dromo specified an asphalt solution using a polymer-modified binder and developed it around Silverstone’s grip, durability and ride-quality requirements. Construction planning was equally specific: three paving machines worked in echelon across the track width to reduce longitudinal joints, while automated positioning, temperature sensors and GPS data supported control during laying and compaction.
Verification under a compressed programme
The resurfacing was completed shortly before the Formula 1 weekend, making preparation and real-time decisions essential. Silverstone later confirmed completion of the works and identified Jarno Zaffelli of Dromo as its expert advisor, with Tarmac as construction partner. The project remains a useful example of how survey, mix design, machinery and site management must operate as one system on a racing surface.
Related Dromo capabilities
Project evidence
From the Dromo project archive.
The surface was engineered and delivered as one continuous process.
