British Grand Prix: everything you need to know about the historic Silverstone circuit
Silverstone, more than just a racetrack, is a legend in motorsport. This is where Formula 1 is setting up this week, for the last race of its triple header. We present to you all the specifics of this historic track.
In 1942, while the world was engulfed in war, workers were busy constructing a simple perimeter road around RAF Silverstone aerodrome. Far from imagining that they were laying the foundations of a future temple of speed, they thus outlined the contours of a legend.
Five years later, in 1947, the roar of engines replaced the clamor of weapons. The Silverstone circuit hosted its first car race.
On May 13, 1950, Silverstone then entered the big leagues by organizing the inaugural round of the brand new Formula 1 World Championship. It was the veteran Italian Giuseppe Farina, behind the wheel of his Alfa Romeo 158, who emerged victorious that day, inscribing his name on the list of winners of this legendary race and winning the world title in the process.
Since that day, Silverstone has constantly reinvented itself, undergoing numerous layout modifications over the years. But its soul has remained intact. Even today, it stands as a temple of speed, pushing the boundaries for the drivers and providing thrills for the spectators. <a href="/f1/actualite/34004-grand-prix-grande-bretagne-5-faits-ont-marque-circuit-historique-silverstone.html" title="British Grand Prix: 5 facts that have marked the historic circuit of Silverstone.
"With many events that have marked its history: find them right here."
The specificities of the Silverstone circuit
Maggotts, Becketts, Abbey… these historic turns punctuate the Silverstone track, now 5891m long. Drivers will cover 52 laps on Sunday, totaling 306.198 km. The record for the fastest lap belongs to Max Verstappen, in 2020: 1:27.097. Let’s see if a new record will be set this weekend.
The circuit has undergone many modifications since its creation, but it has always retained its fast and fluid character. The most notable include the changes made in 1991 and 2010 to improve safety and modernize the facilities. Currently, it has 18 turns, with several long straight lines, especially the one between turns 14 and 15 – although the one between turns 5 and 6 is not lacking either – allowing for numerous overtakings.
Located in Northamptonshire, England, the British climate sometimes makes race conditions unpredictable, adding another level of challenge. The 2008 edition, which took place under heavy rain, is still remembered…
