Silverstone is the current home of the British Grand Prix, which it first hosted in 1948. Following the deaths of Grand Prix drivers Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna at Imola in 1994, many Grand Prix circuits were modifed in order to reduce speed and increase driver safety. As a consequence of this the entry from Hangar Straight into Stowe Corner was modified in 1995 so as to make its entry less dangerous and, as a result, less challenging, and the flat-out Abbey kink was modified to a chicane in just 19 days before the 1994 GP.
Silverstone has one of the richest histories of any current Grand Prix venue. The circuit holds the prestigious record of being the first-ever venue for a Formula One race in the official world championship, the 1950 British Grand Prix. Back then, the circuit was a real speed-fest run on an airfield with long, long straights separated by corners that demanded only marginally less speed. The circuit then underwent numerous modifications and until 1991 was still one of the fastest on the calendar with the demanding Copse, Stowe and Club corners. It was here in 1985 that the fastest ever qualifying lap was recorded; Keke Rosberg set an average speed of more than 250kph over one lap, a record that Force India stood for 16 years. The circuit was modified to its current 5.141km configuration in the late 90s. It’s still fast and flowing, particularly the Becketts complex that starts with a 290kph bend, although the Luffield complex does lose the rhythm just before the end of the lap. A medium downforce track, it’s essential to get a well balanced car for stability through the medium and slow speed corners.
Fisi’s View
Silverstone is like our home circuit as our factory is based just a few hundred yards away from the main gates. There’s always a good atmosphere, lots of fans, and usually the weather is a bit difficult with the rain and wind, so you get an unpredictable race. For me, it’s one of the best circuits of the year. The first part of the circuit, from Copse to Becketts is very high speed, taken nearly flat. We slow down just a little bit at the end of the pit straight, and then we go flat again. We lift the throttle pedal just a little for four at the middle of the complex and then back on it again for five. Even turn seven, Stowe, is another nice, quick fourth gear corner before a hairpin in turn eight, Vale. Through Club its quite difficult as the car is sliding around on four wheels, with the rear end very nervous. Under the bridge is now quite easy, but a few years ago it was much more difficult. The last corner through the complex is typically understeer but you need to have a good exit as then you’re across the start finish line.
This year will be the last race at Silverstone, it’s a very nice circuit - I’ll be sad to see it go.
