Silverstone Circuits and the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) have launched the Northamptonshire venue's refurbished grand prix track.

Most of the straights and high-speed corners have been retained as part of the work, which forms the first stage of a wider scheme to improve the motor racing venue over the coming years. A new section of track after Abbey Corner will take drivers towards Becketts and into an Arena Complex, while elevated viewing banks have been created and the existing grandstands relocated.

Silverstone Circuits managing director Richard Phillips said: "This new Grand Prix track, combined with the redevelopment of Stowe Circuit, that was also completed this year, is a very exciting part of our overall redevelopment plan. "Work has already started on a new pit and paddock complex that will be completed in 2011 and we feel we are well on the way to being one of the best motor sport facilities in the world for competitors, organisers and spectators alike."

Meanwhile, Donington Park motor racing venue is set to reopen in August - nine months after track operator Donington Ventures Leisure Limited (DVLL) went into administration. DVLL, the operator and leaseholder of the Leicestershire venue, collapsed with work already underway on a major revamp of the circuit ahead of the 2010 Formula One Grand Prix.

Donington Park was stripped of the event after failing to secure funding for the project, but track owner Kevin Wheatcroft told the BBC that repairs were underway in order to restart racing at the venue.