UK motor racing circuit owner MotorSport Vision (MSV) has completed the freehold purchase of a former military airbase in north-east France, which it will develop into a major international motorsports complex called Laon Autodrome that could be used as a base for engineers to develop and test vehicles.
It purchased airbase covers 1,263 acres and includes two former runways, the largest being 3,000m in length, together with extensive perimeter roads and apron areas. There are over 60 buildings on the site including many vehicle workshops and personnel accommodation buildings, with a total building area of 1,500,000ft².
MSV chief executive Jonathan Palmer, said, “With the extensive engineering workshop space available alongside the driving circuits, we also believe Laon Autodrome will prove a very attractive base for automotive engineering companies and race teams who value an accessible, central European base.”
MSV France (MSVF) will redevelop the army base into a motorsport village – with the focus being a 5-mile circuit that features a long 1.5-mile main straight where top speeds of over 200mph will be possible, together with fast flowing corners and extensive run-off areas – to provide a mecca for drivers of supercars and other high performance vehicles.
The driving facilities will include a number of circuits as well as a 1000m asphalt oval track, drag strip, rally stages, 4×4 courses, and an extensive urban road driving center for young driver and professional driver training.
Phase one of the circuit complex is planned to open in April 2018, with construction starting in Spring 2017, after completion of the studies for the required authorizations and permits.
November 18, 2015