Speed and safety at the renovated motor racing circuit
Formula 1 and motorsport have something unique: the ability to quicken the senses. The speed, the roar of the engines and the tension on every bend make each race a one-off experience. But behind the visible excitement lies invisible engineering that makes sure that everything happens safely.
The Navarra Circuit (Los Arcos), one of Spain's leading motorsport venues, knows this only too well. It has recently been extended to a length of 4.3 kilometres, with a further 650 metres added and major resurfacing work completed. This has completely transformed the circuit's reputation, and it is now widely recognised as one of the most spectacular and exciting venues in Europe.
The new design has introduced banked turns, elevation changes, and smoother cornering, requiring adjustments to the drainage system and run-off areas on the track.
We had a clear objective: to improve the performance of the track and ensure that it complies with the most stringent safety standards. This new, faster and smoother track layout has dramatically improved the driving and handling experience.
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Drainage: the unseen safety feature
In any circuit, water on the track is a hazard. A small puddle can alter the performance of a car and decide the outcome of a race. For this reason. Due to this renovation, we opted for a drainage system that is capable of withstanding extreme conditions: KOMPAQDRAIN®CIVIL compact channels.
Monolithic technology for extreme conditions
These channels, designed as a single piece of polymer concrete, form a compact block composed of the body and grating, resulting in far greater structural strength.
Key benefits of the KOMPAQDRAIN® CIVIL range for racing circuits:
- Complete safety: no grids or screws that can come loose, and no risk of displacement due to vibrations or braking.
- Hydraulic efficiency: thanks to its large collection holes with the exclusive Max Flow effect. These water-guiding holes optimise water collection and harness its gravitational energy. This accelerates the flow of water, increasing drainage capacity. Allowing water to be drained away immediately, reducing the risk of aquaplaning. It also creates a self-cleaning effect in the channel, thereby preventing any build-up of debris.
- Optimal load capacity: F900 class, designed to withstand high-speed single-seaters and heavy-duty service vehicles.
- Durability: resistance to impacts, chemicals and repeated loading cycles.
Engineering that delivers excitement – ULMA Engineering Office
This project was studied in depth at ULMA's Engineering Office. Key factors were closely analysed: hydraulic calculations were performed, the curved channel installation process was defined and their integration with the circuit's paving and surfaces was designed. This allowed us to provide comprehensive advice to enable confident decision-making, efficient execution and valuable time savings for our clients.
Thanks to this solution, every bend on the renovated track has become a stage where excitement and safety go hand-in-hand. While spectators enjoy the show, KOMPAQDRAIN® channels work silently, ensuring that the track is always in top condition.
After all, in Grand Prix racing, true greatness lies not only in speed, but in the engineering that makes it possible.
Contact ULMA's engineering office
TECHNICAL DATASHEET
- PROJECT: RENOVATION OF THE LOS ARCOS CIRCUIT - NAVARRA
- Engineering: EPTISA
- Building company: OBRAS ESPECIALES (Obenasa)
- Channels: KOMPAQDRAIN® CIVIL 200 -KVF200.10R with AKVF200MF10RS+AKVF200B sump units.
- Metres installed: 738 m
