Apr.26 (GMM) Less than three months after slamming Silverstone's new formula one layout, Damon Hill is now singing its praises.

The 1996 world champion, who is president of the circuit-owning British Racing Drivers' Club, said in February that the new 'Arena' section is a "frustrating compromise" that risks "destroying the essence" of the historic venue.

But Hill is now quoted by the Daily Mail as saying: "We think we have produced a racetrack of the future. It looks like it has the potential to be a real corker."

The new 760m loop - effectively two new infield straights in the place of the famous 'Bridge' corner section - was originally designed for MotoGP but will also be used for July's British grand prix.

It is expected that the cost of the changes - less than $8 million - will be more than offset by the additional tickets that can now be sold.

It will be officially opened by the Duke of York on Thursday.

Hill said he hopes "we have designed a challenging, exciting track for them (the drivers) that will make them like racing here more than ever".

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