Advanced Drainage for Los Arcos Circuit
Motorsport is built on precision, speed and control. Behind every high-performance racing circuit, however, there is also a critical layer of engineering designed to keep drivers safe under all conditions.
As part of the recent redevelopment of the Navarra Circuit in Los Arcos, the track was extended to 4.3 km, including a newly constructed 650-metre section and a complete resurfacing programme. The project transformed the circuit into a faster, more technically demanding venue with improved driving dynamics throughout the layout.
The redesigned track introduced new banking, elevation changes and smoother corner sequences, requiring an upgraded surface water drainage solution capable of responding efficiently during heavy rainfall conditions.
Reliable drainage performance under extreme racing conditions
Water accumulation on a racing track can rapidly compromise tyre grip and vehicle stability. Even small areas of standing water may increase the risk of aquaplaning and affect race safety.
— José Luis Berné, Deputy Director of Operations, Navarra Circuit:
In wet conditions, efficient drainage can determine whether racing continues safely
“At any racing circuit, surface water management plays a critical role in maintaining track safety during rainfall. Effective drainage systems help remove water rapidly from the track surface and reduce the risk of aquaplaning or vehicle instability. These solutions contribute to safer racing conditions and help competitions continue with greater reliability and fewer disruptions.”
To meet the operational requirements of the upgraded circuit, ULMA supplied its KOMPAQDRAIN® CIVIL compact drainage system, specifically engineered for heavy-duty and high-speed environments.
Monolithic drainage technology for motorsport infrastructure
Manufactured as a single monolithic unit in polymer concrete, the system integrates both channel body and grating into one structural element. This design provides enhanced durability and eliminates the risk of loose components under constant vibration and dynamic loading.
Key system advantages
- Improved operational safety thanks to the absence of removable grates or fixing bolts.
- Enhanced hydraulic efficiency through MAX-FLOW® technology, designed to optimise water capture and accelerate flow evacuation.
- Reduced aquaplaning risk by removing water rapidly from the track surface.
- Self-cleaning hydraulic behaviour that helps minimise sediment build-up inside the channel.
- F900 load classification according to EN 1433, suitable for motorsport applications and heavy maintenance traffic.
- High resistance to impact, chemical exposure and repeated load cycles.
Improve water flow speed and drainage capacity by up to 30%.
Hydraulic efficiency increased by up to 30%
Performance tests carried out by ULMA and validated by Tecnun – School of Engineering of the University of Navarra – demonstrated that MAX-FLOW® technology can improve water flow speed and drainage capacity by up to 30%.
This increased hydraulic performance contributes to maintaining safer track conditions during adverse weather events and intense rainfall periods.
So what are you working on? Contact us and we'll work together to find the drainage solution you need.
Engineering tailored to the circuit layout
The project was developed in collaboration with ULMA’s Engineering Office, which analysed all hydraulic and installation requirements associated with the upgraded circuit design.
Special attention was given to channel positioning on bends, pavement integration and compatibility with track geometry, ensuring efficient installation and long-term operational reliability.
The result is a drainage solution designed to support performance, safety and durability across every section of the circuit.
Contact ULMA’s Engineering Office
TECHNICAL DATA
Project: Navarra Circuit Redevelopment – Los Arcos
Engineering consultant: EPTISA
Contractor: OBRAS ESPECIALES (Obenasa)
Installed system: KOMPAQDRAIN® CIVIL 200 - KVF200.10R with inspection units AKVF200MF10RS + AKVF200B
Installed length: 738 linear metres
