Green light for new Welsh racing circuit's £2M study

The Welsh Government has agreed in principle to a request for £2million assistance to fund costs associated with the further development of the Ebbw Vale racing circuit project.

This agreement is subject to independent due diligence, value for money and market analysis tests, said the WG in a press release.

The circuit would be the centre-piece of an automotive enterprise zone identified by the Welsh Government in September and to where it is hoped advanced engineering companies would be attracted.

The availability of a test circuit on their doorstep would be a powerful aid to winning future investment as it could provide on-site testing of components or complete vehicles.

When not used for testing or private functions, the circuit would host race meetings and some have compared it to the famous Spa circuit in Belgium which sweeps through hilly woodland and hosts an annual F1 round.

Ebbw Vale is unlikely to ever host a British Grand Prix as that's already agreed with Silverstone for many years into the future, but it could be the venue for other classes of cars and motor bikes.

However, the more modern Rockingham circuit in the east midlands has been under utilised ever since it opened as the most modern racing centre in Britain when it was designed.

In Wales, the council owned but BARC-run Pembrey Circuit, west of Llanelli, has also struggled to attract championships and spectators and it was discounted as a location for an advanced engineering centre when the Welsh Assembly Government was considering projects a decade ago.

Pembrey and Anglesey circuit in the North West are still used by club racers and for private testing.