A guide to the Silverstone Circuit

Silverstone is the epitome of British motor racing and was the host of the first World Championship Grand Prix. It presently hosts the British GP and this Northamptonshire track, with its long straights and quick curves, has certainly earned its place in history.

Just like most of the other race circuits in the UK, Silverstone is another airfield conversion. Racing commenced in 1948 on the old perimeter track and runways and has continued to the present day. It has been the UK's top international car racing venue for much of the last twenty years, but, until fairly recently, it held no motorcycle races.

Throughout the years, the track layout has undergone several changes but retained most of its character with a combination of ultra fast corners, long straights and some slow sections. There are seven different layouts: the GP circuit being the longest (3.194mi), and Stowe the shortest (0.796mi). The current lap record of the GP circuit is an amazing 1 minute, 24.475 seconds achieved by Michael Schumacher on July 13, 1997.

As well as the F1 Grand Prix, other events include the British and World Super Bike Championships, British Touring Car Championships, Formula 3 Grand Prix and the Silverstone Historic Tribute. You can also buy a driving experience for a day in a performance car, including Ferraris, and receive expert tuition, or take your own car or bike out (licensed) on non-race track days.

At Grand Prix Circuit meetings there is covered seating at Stowe which offers an impressive view of the 'country' half of the circuit from Chapel to Abbey. For the British Grand Prix, additional seating is provided at Copse, Club, Abbey and Luffield. A normal ticket will admit you to raised spectator bankings around the circuit, which offer excellent viewing of the action. Catering points and licensed bars, toilet facilities and disabled viewing areas are located at various points.