Circuit Guide: Silverstone

Circuit Characteristics
A fast and flowing circuit teamed up with sweeping bends and tight and twisty corners, Silverstone is a fairly low downforce circuit and one that is enjoyable for both driver and spectator.

From the Pit Straight, the right-hander Copse is taken in sixth gear, which leads down to the fast Maggots and Becketts section - a series of left right bends taken in fifth gear.

This leads down to Hanger Straight and Stowe, which is taken in fourth gear at 105mph. Progressing down to the second-gear Club Corner, a short straight is followed by the Abbey Chicane, taken in third gear.

Approaching the complex section, the overall slowest part of the circuit, the cars pass through Bridge and Priory before taken the second-gear Brooklands bend at 55mph. This carries them through to the spoon-shaped Luffield corner, into Woodcote and back on to the Pit Straight to begin another lap.

Where to Watch
There are the obvious must-goes and black spots on any grand prix circuit. Here we take a look at the places to be (or not to be!) seen.

Copse
Allows a good view of the run to the first corner at the start, as well as the cars powering up to Maggots, but provides little overall viewing enjoyment. Little overtaking will be evident apart from the start, so is a better-suited place for qualifying rather than race-day action.

Becketts
If you want to experience the ultimate F1-powerhouse, this is the place for you. Able to witness the cars flowing through the Maggots/Becketts section, it is a place to fully appreciate the nimbleness and speed of the cars. Again, better for qualifying rather than race-day due to little overtaking, but will impress all the same.

Vale Infield
Enables the spectator to be fairly close to the track and overtaking is a possibility under breaking for Club. Isn't particularly thrilling during qualifying, but passing manoeuvres during the race is a possibility. The outside of Abbey provides the same level of viewing.

Club Corner
One of the best views of the track, it is possible to see the run down from Stowe, through Vale and Club itself and up to Abbey. Will provide enjoyable entertainment during qualifying and race-day and is one of the must-go places at some point during the racing weekend.

Stadium Section - Brooklands and Luffield
Another good spectator spot that enables you to see a lot of the track with the slight possibility of overtaking. Can see the cars exiting Bridge and travelling through the complex and also into the pitlane and on to the Pit Straight, so is a brilliant viewing opportunity. However, it tends to be crowded in this area, so if entering on a General Admission Ticket, be sure to arrive early to find a space.

Pit Straight
Provides little form of entertainment bar the pit stops and the actual start. Not the ideal location to watch either qualifying or the race, but in-pit activities will keep you amused even if the on-track action doesn't.

Racing History
The history of the area's racing is focused around the Silverstone circuit itself. Hosting the first grand prix in 1948 on a makeshift track produced from the former US airfield, it has since become the home of British Motor Racing.

Hosting thirty-four grands prix (prior to 2000), the BRDC took over the running of the circuit in 1952 from the RAC. Today, the circuit hosts thirty-seven race meetings, four of which are World Championship events. One of the Club's subsidiary companies, Silverstone Estates Limited, encourages motor sport personnel to become tenants within the surrounding area.

With the circuit pumping money back into motor sport, it has obviously undergone some major changes in the last five decades. Even though the basic shape of the circuit remains in tact, the adding of the stadium complex has considerably slowed the circuit down. New spectator facilities have also been added, as well as a revised paddock area.

The track has seen some memorable events, none more so than the 1992 track invasion of the true English hero, Nigel Mansell. On winning the race, over 100,000 fans flocked to congratulate and celebrate with him, leaving a sea of Union Jacks at every corner of the racetrack.

The surrounding area of the circuits relies on the income brought in from the racing, particularly the weekend of the British Grand Prix, which provides the community with a colossal £20 million. During July, it is all racing-fever in Silverstone; some stay to join in the fun, whilst others go on their annual holiday to escape the fun and frolics the racing weekend brings. Either way, the community thrives on the circuit and the action ad enjoyment it brings.

Places To Go
Assuming you'll be at the racetrack all day, the only form of entertainment you will need to provide yourself with will most likely be in the evenings. However, if you do find yourself with a day to spare, there are some places you can visit to take up the time before the racing begins!

The Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation
Presenting the Rolls-Royce Archives from 1906, photographs of the history of the company, memorabilia of Royce and display engines provide a good means of taking up some time prior to the big event. Based at Hunt House in Paulerspury, just south of Towcester, admission is free by appointment, although donations are welcome.

Whittlebury Golf Club
Not your idea of a smashing time? Well, go to the Autosport golf course and have a cracking time with other motor sport fanatics. Who needs to take it seriously? With a few hours to spare, you can easily waste the time away at Whittlebury, near Towcester.

Royal Oak Pub
OK, it doesn't sound like much, but when the Autosport crew take over, usually from the Wednesday right through to the Sunday, it becomes a fun-filled arena for the F1 fan. As well as the usual drink and food, they provide quizzes and competitions with giveaways as well as the chance to heat the latest goss from the staff. Of course, it is also a great place to visit in the evening for that cool pint to either celebrate the day's events or to drown your sorrows!

You could also travel slightly further afield if you want to do some sight-seeing or shopping. Milton Keynes and Northampton will both provide you with enough activities for a day and both are easy to access, either using public transport (contact the local tourism centre for more details) or by car.

What To Do In The Evenings
After a long day at the track with the adrenaline pumping, few want to sit around their hotel or B&B with nothing to do. Even though the villages aren't pumping with excitement, there is usually something to kill the time with.

Disco on Down
If you are camping in sites three to seven, a disco is thrown in for entertainment. Providing fun-loving and light-hearted frolics, you can boogie on down until the early hours, even if you're 'neighbour' is a die-hard BAR fan. Also, other campsites also provide fun entertainment with their own parties, which is sure to pass the time way.

You will also find F1 parties scattered around the towns. Buckingham Town Hall held one in 1999, and they look set to rage into 2000 as well.

Eating Out
If you find the greasy food at the circuit non-appetising, or the pasta or rolls boring, you need to take a trip to one of the many restaurants in the surrounding area. Prices can be reasonable or daunting depending on the venue.

Saracens Head Hotel
Very expensive, but fab for star-spotting. This is where some of the motor sport personnel stay during the race weekend, and even though pricey, the quality is first class, as is the service. Based in Towcester.

The Green Man
A cute little pub/restaurant, it produces a fun yet friendly atmosphere. Based Nr. Syresham.

Dipalee Tandoori Restaurant
Indian cuisine, based in Buckingham, provides quality food for those looking for the intercontinental theme.

Of course there are many more good quality eating spots in Silverstone's surrounding towns and villages, so take a walk around and you are bound to find one that takes your fancy.

What Not To Miss

Eddie Irvine
If you are an Eddie Irvine fan and a member of his fan club, the annual get together, usually held on the Thursday prior to the race, is not to missed. With food and entertainment provided, as well as a quick showing from the man himself, it makes for a good night out.

Pub Autosport
The pub gathering with the Autosport crew (as above) is also a must-see for die-hard fans who want to sample the ins and outs of racing at its finest.

The Team Stands
At the track itself, the teams will often have their own stand and entertainment. There are question an answer sessions with the drivers, as well as cars on display and souvenirs to buy. A word of warning though, the Jordan stand is often over-crowded, especially when EJ performs on the drums, so get there early to grab a good place to watch. The driver Q&A are also busy, so check out the circuit timetable to avoid disappointment.

Afterword
Just remember that a lot of people will be visiting the county in the week during the race, so allow plenty of time for journeys to avoid disappointment. The best form of travel is by foot, but failing that, bear in mind that a seven-mile journey from Buckingham to the circuit can take as much as three hours to complete.

British Grand Prix Weekend