The ‘home of motor racing’ Silverstone hosted the first Grand Prix way back in 1950. The circuit started out life as a World War II airbase, before cars started racing around its runway and perimeter road. It might be older and less fancy then the new breed circuits but the track is blisteringly fast and is a driver and fan favourite alike!

Silverstone’s mix of flowing corners and straights makes this a great test for both man and machine. The unpredictable British weather also makes it a very intriguing Grand Prix. It is also the home race for many of the teams who tend to be based in very close proximity to the circuit.

This year, the Grand Prix circuit has been greatly modified to add extra interest, and more overtaking and viewing points. The changes mean that some slow corners have been cut out and Silverstone moves up as one of the fastest tracks on the calendar.

Introduction by WasiF1

Keep an eye on…

Red Bull are undoubtedly the team to beat coming into the race, with the new high speed Silverstone circuit favouring the RB6. However, McLaren will want to win their home Grand Prix, and with their exhaust-driven diffuser and other updates, they will be hoping to do just that.

On the subject of exhaust-blown diffusers, Williams will be bringing their new one to Silverstone, though they have not decided if they will run it on Saturday and Sunday as of yet.

Ferrari, Mercedes and Renault are expected to find the Silverstone circuit tricky, so it should be interesting to see how the battle shapes up between those three.

Lotus are bringing considerable upgrades to hopefully move them further towards the midfield and challenge the likes of Sauber and Toro Rosso.

Virtual lap

Weather

Overcast conditions but no rain seems to be the weather forecast expected over the entire weekend at Silverstone, making a nice change from the typical British weather! Temperatures are expected to be around the mid-to-low 20s, and strong wind could affect proceedings at the Northamptonshire circuit.

At this race last year…

Sebastian Vettel qualified on pole at last year’s British Grand Prix and converted that into a race win, in an impressive and dominating drive from the German. After a poor first lap, championship leader Jenson Button dropped down to 9th, in a poor day for Brawn GP, where Rubens Barrichello could only manage 3rd when Webber jumped him during the pit stop phase.

TV Times

• Friday – Practice 1 – 10:00 ’till 11:30
• Friday – Practice 2 – 14:00 ’till 15:30
• Saturday – Practice 3 – 10:00 ’till 11:00
• Saturday – Qualifying – 13:00 ’till 14:00 (coverage begins at about 12:10)
• Sunday – Grand Prix – 13:00 onwards (coverage begins at about 12:10)