Dominic Roberts joined Apex Circuit Design in 2025 as a placement engineer from the University of Bath, bringing a background in mechanical engineering and competitive karting. Supporting projects across all stages of development, he contributes to both circuit design and Apex’s driver-in-the-loop simulation work, helping bridge engineering precision with real-world performance.

What does your role at Apex involve day-to-day?

I’m a placement design engineer, so my role is mainly about supporting ongoing projects across both 2D and 3D design. That can cover everything from early masterplanning and schematic layouts through to detailed design and even construction support. It’s quite broad — you’re exposed to all stages of a project rather than just one part, which is really valuable early on.

What kind of projects have you worked on so far?

There’s a big range. I’ve worked on a karting circuit project where I had a lot of individual responsibility, as well as supporting larger-scale projects that are targeting higher FIA grades. That range — from grassroots karting through to top-tier motorsport — gives you a good understanding of how different design requirements scale.

How was it leading your own project?

Really enjoyable. The karting circuit was something I could take ownership of, with support from the wider team. Being trusted with that level of responsibility on placement is a great experience, and it pushes you to apply everything you’ve learned quite quickly.

What led you to this career path?

I got into motorsport through karting when I was about 12, and I raced up to British Championship level. Alongside that, I was always interested in the technical side — working on setups, understanding how changes affect performance. That naturally led me towards mechanical engineering, and then into motorsport-related careers. I came across Apex while researching placements, and it stood out straight away.

Has the role matched your expectations?

More than I expected, to be honest. I didn’t fully realise how specialised circuit design is as an industry. Once you’re in it, you see how much depth there is — and how many different factors you have to consider beyond just the track layout.

What might surprise people about circuit design?

The number of constraints. Even coming from a racing background, there were things I hadn’t considered — drainage, elevation, spectator safety, fencing, access routes. It’s not just about where the track goes; it’s about how everything around it works together.

How does your racing background influence your work?

It definitely helps. You understand how a track should feel — where overtaking opportunities come from, how corners link together, how drivers approach different sections. That perspective feeds into both design work and simulation.

What’s your involvement in simulation work at Apex?

I support the driver-in-the-loop simulation work, which is a really interesting part of the process. It allows us to test layouts in a more realistic way — understanding how a circuit behaves before it’s built. That connection between design and driver feedback is really valuable.

What are your favourite circuits or types of track?

From a karting perspective, PFI stands out — it’s wide, which gives you options, and you can race through the field. In terms of corner sequences, I really like high-compression, high-commitment sections — places where getting the line right makes a big difference. More broadly, circuits like Imola are great because they combine flow, technical sections, and just enough elevation to make them interesting.

How do you see circuits differently now you work in design?

You start to look beyond the layout. You notice things like surface changes, gradients, runoff, and how corners are connected. It changes how you analyse a track — whether you’re driving or just watching.

What do you enjoy outside of work?

I spend a lot of time staying active — gym work is a big focus, especially to support karting. I also play a lot of golf, which has become a big interest over the past few years. It’s a good balance alongside motorsport.

Which Apex projects have you contributed to so far?

I’ve worked across a mix of projects, including leading a karting circuit design and supporting larger international developments. Being involved across that range is useful — it builds both technical understanding and confidence quite quickly.