Following Populous’ recent success with the redevelopment of the home of the British Formula One Grand Prix, Silverstone, the ground breaking ceremony for the next Populous Formula 1 project, the 4.7km Velociudad Speedcity circuit, recently took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 16th. More images and brief project description after the break.
The event marks the commencement of the $100 million-project first construction phase, which includes a 3.1 Km track, pit-lane, 4×4 off-road track and team garages, planned to be completed in 14 months. The second part of the project will extend the circuit to 4.7km, to qualify for the FIA licence, and will be ready by the end of 2014. The autodrome location has a unique topography that involves the movement of 1 million cubic metres of soil, equal to a line of lorries put together from Buenos Aires to Cordoba.
John Rhodes, Associate Principal of Populous said, “We are really proud to contribute with our design to create a new destination for F1, which always means an economic catalyst for the area and produces global exposure. During the last 5 years we have developed technology, software, and design techniques through the use of simulation to physically test the design of a circuit. These pioneering techniques have enabled the creation of a topographically exciting and challenging medium-speed circuit on what was a relatively square and flat 63ha site.”
In addition to this exciting project Populous is currently working on numerous other Motorsport development projects, which includes, a Feasibility and Design program for a new Formula 1 circuit in Mumbai, India.
