A unique new circuit will begin construction early next year in Bulgaria, one which will see the track surface artificially heated to ensure a stable track temperature is maintained.
Bogdan Nikolov, Chairman of the Bulgarian Motorcycling Federation, believes the project will see tyre companies clamouring to use the track in order to test new products, whilst he also hopes to attract Formula One and Moto GP.
“The great thing about our project for hosting F1 races is that we will have a kind of a monopoly since the Bulgarian Formula One circuit will be the first in the world with heating of the asphalt layer, sort-of like central heating of the asphalt covering,” he told the Sofia news agency.
“This means that all companies producing tires will be eager to use our track in order to test their tires. On our track they will not be dependent on the atmospheric conditions to test their tires at various temperatures,” Nikolov explained.
The organisers behind the unique track say they expect to join the F1 calendar for the 2012 season and the Sofia news agency reports discussions with Bernie Ecclestone are well underway.
“We have until December 15, 2010, as deadline from Mr. Bernard Ecclestone, President and CEO of Formula One management and administration, to have all contracts signed.
“He is still expecting the Bulgarian side to tell him a date on which to come to Sofia to sign the contract,” added Nikolov.