As the world-famous racing circuit opens the doors of its huge new development, we break Silverstone down to its component parts…
After a huge refurbishment, the world-famous Silverstone racing circuit has opened its brand-new Paddock and Wing.
In creating a world-class facility for teams, officials and spectators alike, Silverstone can now claim its right as one of the best circuits on the planet. As Red Bull Racing’s team principal Christian Horner said after taking a tour of the new facilities: “The track is one of the last remaining serious challenges on the Grand Prix circuit; Silverstone, Spa, Suzuka, they are all circuits that the drivers revel in,” he said. “With the facilities that have now been put in place, Silverstone will be comparable with any Formula One facility in the world. It’s going to be fantastic to come here in July when it will all be up and running.”
To celebrate the new opening and in anticipation of the British Grand Prix in July, we’ve broken down the development to its component parts...
5...
As the Duke of Kent formally opened the second stage of Silverstone multi-million pound regeneration, he was joined by five of Britain’s six living Formula World Champions - namely John Surtees, Sir Jackie Stewart, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill and Jenson Button. Also in attendance for this historic event were fellow Formula One luminaries, Sir Stirling Moss, Sir Frank Williams, Christian Horner, Ross Brawn, David Coulthard and Murray Walker.
800...
More than 800 guests were present at the opening event. Among them was Britain’s most recent Formula One World Champion Jenson Button, nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi and 2010 Formula 1 British Grand Prix winner Mark Webber, who brought some added pizzazz by driving his Red Bull Racing Formula One car into the Wing. The worlds of MotoGP and World Superbikes were also represented with the likes of Cal Crutchlow, Jonathan Rea and James Toseland showing support for their home circuit.
390...
Space is not an issue at the new facilities as the Silverstone Wing measures 390 metres in length and houses 41 garages, a race control building, a podium, media centre, hospitality and VIP spectator zones. Oh, and three large halls, a conference facility, business centre and a 100-seat auditorium to accommodate conferences help to make this the largest covered exhibition space between London and Birmingham.
46...
Since 1948, 46 F1 British Grand Prix have been held at Silverstone. Of those, the last two have been won by Red Bull Racing drivers - Mark Webber in 2010 and Sebastian Vettel in 2009. Red Bull legend David Coulthard also won here twice in 1999 and 2000 when he was driving for McLaren.
1947...
Silverstone first hosted a motor race in 1947 when a group of friends staged an ad hoc challenge that resulted in the death of a sheep and the writing off of a car. Since then, the former RAF base has become somewhat more professional says Damon Hill: “Over the last sixty years, under the stewardship of the BRDC [British Racing Drivers’ Club], Silverstone has grown beyond all recognition. Silverstone has a significant historical legacy, but we maintain our place at the forefront of contemporary international motor sport, hosting an array of world-class events and activities.”
1948...
The current home of the British Grand Prix first hosted the prestigious race in 1948. The race then rotated between Silverstone, Aintree and Brands Hatch from 1955 to 1986, before permanently relocating to Silverstone in 1987 - Donington Park almost nabbed the GP for itself in 2009 before a 17-year deal signed with Bernie Ecclestone ensured a safe future for Silverstone.
Take a tour of the new facilities with Christian Horner...
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