Digging in at Navarra
Work is well underway at Navarra as the Spanish circuit prepares to host round one of the 2024 British Superbike season.
The circuit, located in northern Spain, was purchased by BSB organisers MSV in 2022, with an official test held there ahead of the 2023 season. Navarra has since taken Silverstone’s spot on the calendar, and a two-stage, multi-million pound development is now underway at the circuit.
Phase one, to be completed mid-March, will see extensive resurfacing with removal of bumps, namely at the start/finish line and on the approach to turn
‘Phase one will see extensive resurfacing'
five. The run-off area at turn 13 will be extended, and safety barriers will be realigned.
Turn six will be re-profiled from a slow left-hander to a faster corner which is effectively a continuation of turn five. Elsewhere, EM light panels will be installed, marshal posts replaced and upgraded, and an improved CCTV system installed.
Phase two is where the bigger changes take place, with a new layout implemented. Aiming to provide a faster, more flowing experience, a 650-metre extension will be created with a new straight following turn 10 and entering into a new set of corners.
Turn 11 becomes a banked hairpin, and leads into a right-left sequence through turns 12 and 13. New kerbs will be fitted, with run-off areas and safety features being installed to accommodate the new corners.
Phase two of the work is due to commence in July and be completed by the end of August.
Following a two-day pre-season test at Donington Park on April 6-7, the paddock will head to Navarra for three days of testing on April 16-19. The race weekend follows immediately on April 20-21, with two Superbike races due to take place on the Sunday.