Silverstone can justifiably claim to be the home of world motorsport, (Monaco and Monza would disagree), as the venue for the first F1 race in 1950 and as the 'home' circuit for many of the teams.
Few would disagree that over the past years the facilities at Silverstone have become second-class, and the track whilst attracting huge crowds at F1 race weekends has not kept pace with other venues in terms of catering to the needs of the more casual F1 fan.
The dilemma for the management of Silverstone in the past was whilst understanding that facilities needed to be improved they but could not commit the finances for such without a long-term commitment from F1. Bernie Ecclestone was understandably unwilling to commit to a long-term agreement in the absence of the commitment to improve the experience for fans and drivers. It seemed that Silverstone had lost its preeminent position in motorsport when agreement was reached between F1 and Donington Park to stage races from F1. Whilst such agreement was welcome, - for it meant F1 would stay in Britain, it was a disappointment for many racing enthusiasts that Silverstone was not to be part of F1's future.
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| Aerial photos of the changes |
Changes to Becketts and Club |
The failure of Donington Park to credibly manage the restructuring of the circuit resulted in an acknowledgement by Bernie Ecclestone that the best solution would be to award a 17- year contract to Silverstone and accept that the circuit owners and administrators would then make good on their word and invest in redevelopment. Bernie Ecclestone faith in Silverstone was rewarded when the first stage of 'new' Silverstone was opened on the 29th April 2010.
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| Changes to Copse and New Start/Finish |
Changes to Abbey and Arena |
The most dramatic change to date is the new configuration, which lengthens the track by 0.472 miles to 3.666 miles. Abbey corner is now a quick right turn into a new complex of corners. Further development will commence after the 2010 F1Grand Prix and will include a new paddock and pits area as well as a new start finish line.
Early reports are extremely positive and the upgraded Silverstone is likely to meet the approval of most F1 fans.
Damon Hil (former F1 world champion [1996]) head of circuit owner the British Racing Drivers' Club, is reported as saying that the £5 million ($7.5M) upgrade would, 'provide better viewing, greater capacity and more of a challenge... For motor racing fans it's very important to have a grand prix in your own country so there has been a big battle to fulfil the criteria for hosting a grand prix'. 'This has been the result of a very long, hard battle to upgrade the facilities and provide a venue that is the best venue for drivers and fans'.
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Silverstone certainly don't have the money that some of the new tracks on the circuit but the British Grand Prix is still one of the greatest and traditional races on the F1 calendar. Great photos!