Jonathan Palmer has been busy with his digger over the winter break with improvements being carried out at most of the major MSVR circuits.

Work at Brands Hatch is centred around the Clearways and Clark Curve section of the circuit.

The runoff area at Clearways is being extensively re-profiled over the winter break as the Armco barriers and debris fencing are moved further away from the circuit. The gravel trap has been significantly extended in order to increase its effectiveness.

The improvement will be noticeable to competitors on both two and four wheels as the chance of an impact with the barriers on the outside of the circuit will be decreased.

Spectators will still be able to watch around the outside of the final section of the lap with a raised viewing area currently being constructed.

At Cadwell Park, there is the addition of more tarmac in the paddock. This will expand the amount of hard standing in the area above the current tarmac area at the bottom end of the paddock.

This work will be carried out following the Cadwell Park Stage Rally on Sunday 2 February and will increase the amount of tarmac paddock area by more than 3000 square meters, effectively doubling the paddock space available to race clubs.

The paddock office next to the scrutineering bay, home to race admin during events, will also be replaced to complete the off-season overhaul.

As for the circuit itself, a number of tweaks are being made including resurfacing work at the chicane. The Armco barriers at Hall Bends and on the start/finish straight are also being re-profiled to increase the effectiveness of the run-off areas.

At Snetterton, the newly installed and realigned barriers along the circuit’s iconic back straight have been completed in time for the first track activity of the year.

Other changes for the new season include a pair of new fire trucks, a fast response vehicle and a new recovery truck, ensuring that the circuit will be ready for all eventualities with its’ response vehicles.

The venue has also undergone a number of technical improvements to the IT facilities available to race clubs and venue CCTV.