I lived in Kent for 24 years and so this still feels like a local circuit, even though I was born in, and have returned to, Lancashire. I have some wonderful early track day memories, including being told off for making too much noise from my squealing tyres and for harassing and re-passing a JPE with twice the power-to-weight (it wasn’t deliberate, he just caught me out by braking mid-apex and then being painfully slow).
Circuit Details
Brands Hatch Circuit
Fawkham,
Longfield,
Kent.
DA3 8NG.
01474 872331
email: brandshatch@msv.com
Technical
The technical information has been extracted from the Motorsport UK Yearbook 2023, as published online on 18/05/2023.
Length: 2.433 miles, 3.916 km
Number of Starters
Racing & Sports Racing Cars over 2000cc: 32
Racing & Sports Racing Cars up to 2000cc: 38
Other Classes: 46
Speed Limits
Paddock Speed Limit: 10 mph
Pit Lane Speed Limit: 60 kph – 37.28 mph
Getting There
The above link provides a map and advice on how to access the circuit for competitors and spectators.
Important Note for Competitors
Use of the entrances can get confusing, as Scratchers Lane and the hotel entrances either can or cannot be used depending on the day. A basic assumption is that, if there are likely to be spectators, the hotel entrance is out of bounds and Scratchers Lane is to be used.
SatNav
Entering a post code into my satnav usually gets me there, but not always, so I also include GPS coordinates with this guide. What3Words are also an increasingly useful addition. I also provide coordinates and What3Words for a position within the paddock; this could be useful as a meeting point for guests.
I try to find a w3w location with at least one word that is related to motor racing; I also try to find short words or a humorous sentence. From the paddock coordinates, can you work out how the 1994 F1 champion despatched his rival?
Circuit Paddock Entrance Coordinates
This entrance is via the A20, with the hotel at the entrance.
- DMS: 51°21’46.08″, 0°15’51.48″
- DD: 51.3628, 0.2643
- What3words: ///pools.garden.civic
Circuit Hotel Entrance Coordinates
This entrance is via Scratchers Lane
- DMS: 51°21’30.6″,0°15’10.44″
- DD: 51.3585, 0.2529
- What3words: ///crash.scary.starts
Paddock Coordinates
- DMS: 51°21’38.88″, 0°15’56.88″
- DD: 51.3608, 0.2658
- What3words: ///slug.rival.hill
Useful Links and Information
Google Map of Paddock and Pits
Official Disabled Access Information
Marshal Posts
Visit the above link for comprehensive details on the marshal posts for this configuration.
Not all marshal posts are for the displaying of flags, whilst not all flag posts are necessarily in use. The minimum requirement is for each flag post having a clear view of the previous and following posts. The above link is to a page showing a large map of all flag posts on the circuit, along with a description of post.
It is important for the drivers to familiarise themselves with the location of all flag posts. This is usually done, for a race, on the green flag lap where drivers, having lined up on the grid in starting order, then set off and drive the circuit at a sensible and controlled pace that is set by either the pole-position person or a safety/course car. On that lap, every manned flag post displays a waved green flag, allowing the driver to memorise all positions. Memorising those posts in advance can be helpful. A similar display takes place for other sessions, such as qualifying, but the flags are only displayed long enough for cars that are released onto the circuit at the start of that session; latecomers need to have already done their research.
Track Limits
There are track limits sensors on the exit of the following corners:
- Paddock Hill Bend
- Druids
- Graham Hill Bend
Follow the above link to read the track limit rules as defined in the Motorsport UK Blue Book.
Extracted From MSV Briefing Notes:
You are permitted to drive on the track asphalt up to and including the white line, and on the full extent of any kerbs (marked red/white). However you are not permitted to put any wheel beyond the white lines or kerbs.
All trackdays and test days at MSV circuits are run in accordance with these new regulations. If anyone does not comply, the following actions will be taken by the circuit:
- 1st infringement: Black/white driving standards flag warning.
- 2nd infringement: Black flag, report to control tower. This is the final warning without penalty.
- 3rd infringement: Black flag, 20 minute track time exclusion.
- Further infringements: Black flag, 20 minute track time exclusion.
In the interest of practicality and expediency, decisions by MSV circuit staff will be final and there will be no right of appeal against any penalty or right to review evidence.
Paddock Facilities
Click on the above link for a tour of the paddock facilities, along with pit access, grid details and more.
Camping Facilities
Camping is very limited. There is a little space for small tents along the northeast border of the lower paddock.
Showers and Toilets
Pit Paddock
There are toilets located in the block that contains Race Control. It is at the end of the garages, by pit lane entry. If they are busy, there is another block on the other side of the pedestrian tunnel that exits by the start line and grandstand.
Main Paddock
There are toilets available at Hailwoods Restaurant, at the bottom of the hill by the grandstand.
There is a toilet block by scrutineering, which also has showers. These may not be open.
Pits Paddock
There is a set of toilets by Race Control, which is at the pit lane exit end of the garages.
Disabled Facilities
From my current understanding, all the toilets that I have listed are suitable for the disabled.
The Kentagon and Hailwoods restaurant are both wheelchair friendly, offering disabled toilet facilities.
The grandstand by the first corner has a limited number of wheelchair spaces, available on a first-come basis. These are free for both the wheelchair user and one carer. Enquires can be made when applying for tickets, or from the Megastore, located under the grandstand.
There are three disabled parking facilities:
- Opposite the Kentagon restaurant and first-corner grandstand.
- Close to the main entrance, by Clark Curve.
- At Southbank, which offers superb viewing over Cooper Straight.
Waste Facilities
Waste oil can be disposed of in the lower paddock. There are two places that I am aware of, both at the south end of the paddock:
- By Hailwoods, at the north end of the building.
- On the paddock’s eastern periphery, roughly on a line with the north end of Hailwoods.
Recycling Facilities
There is a recycling bin behind the Paddock Hill Bend grandstand, opposite the shops and in front of the fast food outlets.
Electricity and Water
If I remember correctly, electricity and water is available around the whole of the periphery of the paddock, with no facilities within the paddock. If, therefore, you need to be hooked up, I advise an early arrival for the choice of prime perimeter locater. I recommend alongside the circuit as, even though it can have spectators walking by, I got great views from my caravan window.
Refreshments, Bar and Shop
Kentagon
The Kentagon restaurant is located across the road from the grandstand that overlooks the first corner, Clearways. It serves hot meals and snacks.
It is wheelchair friendly and have disabled toilet facilities.
Hailwoods
Hailwoods is located at the bottom of the paddock, close to the grandstand by Hailwoods Hill. It serves hot meals and snacks.
It is wheelchair friendly and has disabled toilet facilities.
Megastore and Other Shops
The Magastore is located under the grandstand that overlooks the first corner, Paddock Hill Bend. It sells everything related to motor racing, including clothing and scale models. Also sold here is motor racing racewear.
There are other stores open, positioned between the Megastore and the grandstand overlooking the start/finish straight. This includes more food outlets.
Pit Paddock
There is a hot-food outlet with limited seating, to the left of the entry to Race Control.
Spectating Points
A picturesque circuit where, due to it being in the bowl of a valley, spectators can watch the action virtually throughout. The 1.2 mile Indy configuration isn’t that exciting as a design, with only five changes of direction in a lap, but the style of the corners combined with the hilly terrain make for a very challenging nature. For the spectator, because the lap is so short and fast, there are more close-up action scenes per race than all other British circuits bar Mallory Park.
Official Locations
| Signing On | There are two potential signing on points: Scrutineering Office Heading up the hill from the lower paddock, with the tunnel entries on the left, scrutineering is on the right. Sign on is in the office. Race Control Located at the end of the pit lane garages, by pit exit. Sign on is on the ground floor. |
| Race Admin | See Race Control. Ground Floor. |
| Race Control | This multi-storey building is located at the end of the pit lane garages, by pit exit. |
| Clerk of the Course | See Race Control. |
| Timekeeping | See Race Control. |
| First Aid / Medical Centre | First Aid I understand that, during major race events, first aid is available from close to the Kentagon, on the other side of the children’s playground. The Kentagon is located across the road from the grandstand that overlooks the first corner, Paddock Hill Bend. Medical Centre It is a trek to the medical centre, so you may want to find out beforehand if any first aid is available. It is located on the inside of the circuit, within the GP configuration. It is between McLaren Bend and Clearways. To get to it, you need to cross a bridge by Clearways. Walking from the pit lane area To walk to the Medical Centre from the pit lane area, head towards Race Control where you will see a tunnel. Be aware that, on returning, you may be asked to present your pass. You will exit the tunnel at the start line grandstand. Turn left and walk by the perimeter of the circuit, passing the hospitality suite at Clearways. Continue until a bridge which crosses the GP circuit. The Medical Centre is straight ahead. Driving from the lower paddock Head uphill, through the gates and, with the Kentagon opposite, turn left by the grandstand. Drive by the perimeter of the circuit as though leaving the circuit, but turn left towards the hospitality suite at Clearways. Continue until a bridge which crosses the GP. The Medical Centre is straight ahead. Alternative walk – only for the uninjured This more direct route to walk to the medical centre should only be taken if confident, as there may not be witnesses should any injury curtail the journey. Walk to the south end of the main (lower paddock). Pass the café bar and then the circuit-side of the grandstand. Head in a straight line, passing Druids hairpin you will come across a bridge that crosses the GP circuit. Across the bridge, turn right and follow the path all the way to the medical centre. From the café / bar to the bridge is around 367 metres or 0.2 mile, while the total journey to the medical centre is around 775 metres or 0.5 mile. |
Race Locations
| Scrutineering | Heading up the hill from the lower paddock, with the tunnel entries on the left, scrutineering is on the right. |
| Noise Test | This is usually conducted on entry to the Assembly Area. |
| Assembly Area | Unless you have a garage or are otherwise located at the back of the garages, you will have to gain access via the tunnel to the lower paddock. From the lower paddock, head up the hill by the periphery of the circuit |
| Parc Ferme | From the end of the pit lane garages, you will be directed to bear right and take the left-hand lane towards the tunnel. Take care negotiating the tight tunnel, on exiting which you will bear right. On exiting the enclosed tunnel area, turn immediate left and drive straight on. Parc Ferme is just ahead, to the left of Scrutineering. |
| Pit Lane | For official sessions, accessing the pit lane is via the Assembly Area. If a driver is late, then access is from between the Assembly Area gate and the end of the pit lane garages. From the circuit, the pit entry is towards the end of Clearways, the final corner, opposite the end of the Grandstand. This is a fast, sweeping right-hander, so has a hand to indicate that you are slowing and pitting. Having entered the pit entry lane you will need to slow down in order to negotiate the tight chicane that is alongside the near-end of the Assembly Area. At the end of the pit lane, alongside Race Control, is a slight chicane that leads onto the pit lane exit. On joining the circuit, stay to the right, off the racing line. Be aware that cars may be on circuit at racing speed and expect them to sweep by at any point through the first corner. |
| Starting Grid | The back of the grid is towards the end of Clark Curve. The front of the grid is just before the end of the garages / the start of Race Control. It is alongside, to the left, the end of the grandstand. The starting lights are located on a gantry above the right side of the track, opposite the start of the next grandstand. |
| Tunnels | Lower Paddock to Pit Area From the lower paddock, head up the hill by the periphery of the circuit. The first lower tunnel is on the left and is the access to the pit area. Be aware of pedestrians, who have bi-directional use of this tunnel. Other things to be aware of: due to the unsuitability of the other tunnel, marshals may control this tunnel for occasional egress; especially during events that may include foreign drivers, it has been noted for the occasional driver to take the wrong tunnel. Pit Area to Lower Paddock The entry to the lane leading up to the tunnel is opposite Race Control. Take the left lane. This is not suitable for pedestrians, who must use the right-hand tunnel. Beware that the tunnel has tight bends and is lower than that which leads from paddock to pits. Occasionally, under marshal supervision, the right-hand tunnel will be used. Pedestrian Tunnel from Race Control to Start Line There is a Pedestrian tunnel that runs from Race Control to the grandstand by the Start Line. Be aware that, on returning, you may be asked to present your pass. |
Petrol Availability
Petrol is available on-site, apparently, although I’ve never seen it. According to Brands Hatch media information, it is located at the very top of the hill from the main paddock. Basically, drive up the hill, passing scrutineering on the right and continue to the top. Instead of bearing left for the paddock entry (by the grandstand), turn right. The station is opposite the children’s play area.
I’ve looked at Google maps and am not convinced. Some web sites say fuel is not available, others say it might be on a busy meeting with limited opening times. Probably best to take you own, or visit the petrol stations listed below.
Because of my lack of confidence, I am not placing the station on the paddock diagram. This is on my to do list of information to confirm.
The closest petrol station, time-wise, from the circuit is Texaco station to the south west. The nearest Shell station, which I believe sells 98-RON petrol is around ten minutes away, to the north east.
Park Twenty Texaco
1.9 miles, around 4 minutes
Main Road,
West Kingsdown.
TN15 6ET.
Shell
3.7 miles, around 9 minutes
1-3 Station Road,
Longfield.
DA3 7QD.
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Page updated by Peter Tattersall, May 2023