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Jack Sears and Alex Brundle officially open new Snetterton 300 circuit

Saturday, March 19 2011

The new Snetterton 300 circuit was officially opened before the first race was held on the new layout this afternoon (Saturday). Inaugural British Touring Car Champion Jack Sears and FIA Formula Two racer Alex Brundle, who hails from nearby Kings Lynn, cut the ribbon on the starting grid with circuit manager Jamie Hopper in attendance.

The pair then stepped into the Snetterton course car to experience the circuit for the first time. Speaking afterwards, Sears explained how delighted he was to have been invited the launch event.

"It was very wonderful to be asked to open the circuit by Jonathan Palmer, it's not everyday you get to do something like this."

He also offered glowing praise of the new layout: "I like the new circuit very much, it flows nicely with a mixture of slow and fast corners but they're nicely programmed and I think it will be very popular and a big challenge too. There are now twelve corners to be negotiated whereas before there were only seven so there is a whole new learning curve for all the race drivers."

Sears also confirmed that the viewing experience has been transformed for fans of the circuit: "The racing will definitely be better for spectators. There's no doubt that the spectators will like it with all these big viewing banks; you'll get good visibility to watch some very different corners and I know the facility will continue to be improved so I think the future of Snetterton is very secure and I wish them all the luck in the world!"

Brundle was also delighted with the circuit's new look. "The track is much more technical than the old track was, and they've smoothed the tarmac out a bit which is a big improvement. They've kept a lot of the great elements of the old track but I love the new sections and there's a bit of banking element which will open up the apex a lot and the whole place is a lot more exciting. It's a bona fide international race track now which is great for the area and great for the circuit."

The youngster also commented on driving around a corner that has been named after his father, BBC F1 commentator Martin. "It's slightly unusual especially as they've put the names on Polystyrene boards in front of all of the corners. Now I'm going to be staring at my own name as I approach the braking point for the corner that probably will be 160mph in a Formula Two car. I hope I won't take too long to get used to it and I won't dwell on it too much!"

Alex also agrees with Jack Sears that the new spectator bankings will further add to the excitement provided by the new layout. "It looks as if it could be one of the best tracks to view from and hopefully the bankings will encourage more people to come down and do some viewing. Snetterton is one of those tracks that always seems to attract a good crowd and there's always a great atmosphere here and it's nice to improve it further for the people that make the place tick."

Tickets are available on the gate for the second day of the MSVR Season Starter at Snetterton, priced at £13 with free admission for children aged 12 and under. For more information call 0843 453 9000 or click on the link below.