Focus on the Silverstone Circuit
When it comes to motorsports in England, no circuit comes to mind more readily than Silverstone. Located in Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire near the East Midlands, the track was the site of the first British Grand Prix after the formation of Formula 1 in 1950. It’s been the location of the British Grand Prix every year since 1987 and with the recent signing of a 17-year deal it will be the home of the British Grand Prix for the foreseeable future.
However, people familiar with the track will see some significant changes starting with the 2010 race. Part of Formula 1’s awarding of the long-term deal for Silverstone to host the British Grand Prix included the track making significant track changes and renovations – including upgrades to the facilities and improvements to the luxury suites. The track was reconfigured to have more of an “arena” feel with fans having the ability to see the entire track.
This reconfiguration also required making significant changes to the track layout. Almost a half-mile of additional track was added to the circuit, with the majority coming in the form of a new series of turns and kinks after the Abbey corner. It’s been enough to make even experienced drivers have difficulty negotiating the track on the virtual simulators that each team uses to prepare drivers for tracks.
The new track configuration has changed the nature of the track, says former Formula 1 driver turned commentator Anthony Davidson. That track was once known for being a pure speed track, with one high-speed curve coming after the other. However, the new track sections are more technically demanding and should provide a greater test of a driver’s overall skill – along with their team’s ability to set up the car. Instead of being able to just set up and drive the car with speed being the only consideration, teams and drivers will need to balance top speed with handling and grip in the corners.
The renovations aren’t complete yet, according to Damon Hill. The former Formula 1 champion and president of the British Racing Drivers’ Club (which owns the track) said that a new pit and paddock area and better fan facilities should be ready by the time of the 2011 race.
While British drivers like Nigel Mansell and Jim Clark had great success at Silverstone (each winning three races) it was a Frenchman who ruled the track. Alain Prost won a record five races at the Silverstone circuit, more than any other driver. It’s a testament to Prost’s overall expertise at the track that he won his five races in just nine career starts at the track and with four different teams (Elf, McLaren, Ferrari and Williams).
Despite Prost’s success, there’s little doubt that Mansell was the fans’ choice during his time racing the British Grand Prix. While other famous British drivers had won Formula 1 races at Silverstone, no one connected with the fans quite like Mansell. His victories in 1987, 1991 and 1993 were greeted with delight by the more than 100,000 fans in attendance at the Silverstone circuit, many of whom would descend upon the track after the race in scenes more reminiscent of football pitch invasions from the 1970s than Formula 1 races.
One of the most extraordinary events in Silverstone’s history came in the 1998 British Grand Prix. Michael Schumacher was assessed a drive through penalty for passing a lapped car during a safety car period, but served the penalty on the final lap – meaning that he passed the finish line to complete the lap while driving through pit lane (which runs parallel to the start line). Schumacher was allowed to keep his victory in the race after an appeal, which led to three stewards resigning from the FIA World Council.
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