Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit takes you from the steep drop at Paddock Hill Bend into a flowing loop through the surrounding woodland. Its combination of tight corners, fast direction changes and rising and falling ground makes learning the layout an important part of preparing for your visit.
Circuit at a Glance
- Location: West Kingsdown, Kent, England
- Layout: Grand Prix
- Length: 3.916 km / 2.433 miles
- Direction: Clockwise
- Character: Undulating, technical and fast-flowing
Brands Hatch also operates a shorter Indy layout. Check which configuration your event uses: the GP circuit extends beyond the shared opening section into the woodland loop. See the official circuit layouts.
Getting to Know the Lap
Paddock Hill Bend and Druids
Paddock Hill Bend is the opening right-hander, with a pronounced downhill drop before the circuit climbs towards Druids. The tighter right-hand hairpin brings a substantial change of pace early in the lap.
When learning this section, pay attention to the elevation as well as the corner shapes. A flat circuit map only tells part of the story.
Graham Hill Bend and Surtees
After Druids, the circuit descends towards Graham Hill Bend, a left-hander leading onto Cooper Straight. Surtees then takes the GP layout away from the shorter Indy circuit and towards the woodland section.
This is a useful point to pause your preparation and make sure you recognise where the two layouts separate.
The Grand Prix Loop
Hawthorn Bend, Westfield, Sheene Curve and Stirlings form the distinctive outer section of the GP lap. Learning their sequence helps you anticipate what comes next as the circuit changes direction and elevation.
Break this part of the lap into smaller sections when practising, then put them together once the order feels familiar.
Clearways and Clark Curve
The lap returns through Clearways and Clark Curve towards Brabham Straight. Recognising this final section helps connect the woodland loop back to the start of the next lap.
Preparing for Your Track Day
Use your first sessions to build familiarity gradually. Follow the organiser’s briefing, learn the permitted overtaking areas and establish your own reference points with appropriate instruction.
Check your booking details for the circuit configuration, noise limits, arrival time and equipment requirements.
Explore Brands Hatch GP with ApexGuide
Use the ApexGuide viewer to follow the layout, revisit unfamiliar sections and learn the corner sequence before you arrive. Treat the displayed line and speeds as reference information; your approach on the day must suit your car, conditions and experience.