The priest, Cornelius ‘Neil’ Horan waved a religious banner saying: “Read the Bible. The Bible is always right.” Mark Webber and numerous other drivers had to swerve to miss Horan, who was wrestled to the ground by a brave marshal and sentenced to 2 months imprisonment.

Enjoy the video below and see what happened!

A computer generated image of the new 'Arena' circuit

Formula One Management have today approved plans for the 2010 British Grand Prix to be held around the new Arena layout, Silverstone announced today.

The only significant change from last year’s layout is from Abbey corner where, instead of heading into Farm Straight, Bridge and Priory, the drivers will now turn right at Abbey onto a dramatic new section of track.

Scientific data, based on mathematical simulations and interpolations show that Silverstone will continue to be one of the quickest circuits on the F1 calendar. Despite the circuit length being increased by 760m, lap times for an F1 car will only be increased by four seconds.

Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, commented:

“The new sections of circuit were initially brought in to comply with MotoGP safety regulations, but the

Work on the Silverstone Arena circuit layout is scheduled to finish in March 2010

Arena Complex was always designed with both two and four-wheeled racing in mind. We have been very careful, working closely with drivers and riders, to make sure we are improving and enhancing what Silverstone already has to offer – from a drivers, riders and spectators point of view.

“Some will miss not seeing modern day F1 cars accelerating through Bridge, but we have to move with the times and continue looking at ways to improve the overall experience. The new layout will bring an extra dimension to Silverstone, a new challenge for the drivers, and will enable fans to get closer to the action. We have a very exciting year ahead of us, with F1, MotoGP and World Superbikes all coming to Silverstone, and I can‟t wait to see how the drivers and riders tackle the new circuit.”

Richard Phillips

More than £5million has been invested on this new circuit layout which includes improvements to its spectator viewing areas. In addition to constructing elevated viewing banks, existing grandstands and fence lines are being moved to bring fans closer to the on-track action. The work is scheduled for completion in March 2010.

Virgin Racing have completed their two-day shakedown today, with Timo Glock kicking things up a notch from yesterday’s exploratory laps, completing 42 laps of the 1.8km Stowe circuit during the morning.

Lucas di Grassi then took over in the afternoon recording his first 36 laps as an F1 driver, before saying:

“It feels good. It feels like home! I’m really happy and our first impressions of the car are very positive. It’s amazing what the team has achieved in such a short space of time. I think we have a strong car and a great team to get things started in Jerez. It was important for me to learn as much as possible here so I can start to put some real mileage on the car next week.”

Lucas di Grassi

Nick Wirth, Virgin Racing’s Technical Director, said:

“I am delighted that we have successfully shaken down the VR-01. To achieve 100km of running out of the box is a great achievement with only a few minor issues along the way. We have acquired some good information to feed straight back into design for the development of new parts, which we may even be testing next week. All in all this is a very pleasing conclusion to a memorable week for Virgin Racing.”

Nick Wirth

Team Principal John Booth paid due credit to his brand new race team:

“Our shakedown provided our very first opportunity to work together as a trackside operation and it couldn’t have gone any better. The way the team has come together to achieve such a successful shakedown has been commendable. I’m very proud of what we have achieved and we’re looking forward to taking our place alongside the other F1 teams in the pitlane next week.”

John Booth

Virgin Racing will join up with the other teams at the Jerez test which starts on Wednesday.

Gallery

Images (C) Virgin Racing

“It will be a whole new life for the track, and maybe move it back to how Silverstone used to be – a really, really fast circuit.

“We have looked at introducing much more topography and things like that, but it is very difficult because you have to go with what the site is – in essence it is an ex airfield.

“I think we’ve got the right solution – and if we can really bring back the essence of what Silverstone is – a very, very fast circuit, smooth and flowing, it will be great.

“Certainly, even in the short term, the spectator experience will be a lot better. Obviously we have the opportunity to relocate grandstands that have been there for an age and really shake the thing up a bit. It is not about creating something new but about bringing a freshness to focus on what it is all about.”

Originally the 2010 British Grand Prix was due to be held at Donington Park, but the circuit failed to raise the funds required, and at the eleventh hour, Silverstone stepped in to save the traditional race.

Rhodes is unsure whether the 2010 British Grand Prix will be raced around the new ‘Arena’ circuit. He continued:

“To be honest, I don’t know. I would be surprised if it happened [for F1 in 2010]. It is the MotoGP circuit, and from our point of view it is going to be finished by March and we have to deliver it now – that is the key thing. The programmes are coming up quickly now.”

Concept images of the new ‘Arena’ circuit are now in our gallery.

Ulsterman Irvine partnered Schumacher from 1996 to 1999 and came second in the 1991 championship after Schumacher broke is leg following a crash at Silverstone. Irvine finished the season only two points behind McLaren‘s Mika Hakinnen (76 points).

In an interview with the Beeb, Irvine said:

“He’s been bored I think. Very, very bored and he’s definitely up for it. I hope he comes back, it will be fantastic for F1.

“In F1, you’re on show and got to perform, whereas in the real world it’s months or years before you can get the same rush. Michael has been karting since he was four or five so he knows nothing else.

“He tried the motorcycle riding which was sheer madness because he wasn’t very good and wasn’t getting paid – so I never understood that one – but F1 makes sense.”

And when asked how he thought the seven-time champion would fare against the current breed of drivers, Irvine added:

“Lewis isn’t going to back off, but Michael will have to because he’ll be 41. The speed will be there, though he won’t be as fast as he was seven years ago.

“He’s not at the peak of his game, but he’s still good enough to win races as he has such an immense talent.

“It’s still four wheels, a steering wheel and an engine, and there’s never been anyone better than Michael.”

One of Eddie Irvine’s memorable moments was at the Japanese Grand Prix in 1993 at Suzuka. Senna was chasing Damon Hill in the Williams and lapped Irvine in the Jordan. Irvine however took the place back from Senna, as Irvine claimed Senna was holding him up. After the race, Senna went to the Jordan motorhome and punched Irvine in the face.

On the matter, Irvine said:

“I assume you’re talking about racing, so I’ll keep it clean then. I think going around the outside of three guys at the first corner and up to fifth in my first grand prix for Jordan. I did have a chuckle when I unlapped Ayrton Senna in that race, and was laughing my head off in the car.”

If you missed this race, here’s a clip:

The Brazilian and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix have switched places in the 2010 calendar, meaning the finale will be held in the United Arab Emirates again.

The race at the Yas Marina circuit had been planned as the penultimate race of the season, but the sport’s governing body decided to switch the fixtures.

The returning Canadian Grand Prix will be held on June 13 and the British Grand Prix will be at Silverstone on July 11.

And Korea will stage its F1 debut on October 24, as long as work on the circuit in Yeongam is finished an passes an FIA inspection.

Kevin Lee, general manager of the circuit’s strategic planning department, said;

“We have a plan to finish the whole construction work at the circuit on July 5 next year, and up until now it is roughly 60 per cent done.”

2009 Calendar

March 14 – Bahrain (Sakhir)

March 28 – Australia (Melbourne)

April 4 – Malaysia (Sepang) April 18 – China (Shanghai)

May 9 – Spain (Barcelona)

May 16 – Monaco (Monte Carlo)

May 30 – Turkey (Istanbul)

June 13 – Canada (Montreal)

June 27 – Europe (Valencia)

July 11 – Great Britain (Silverstone)

July 25 – Germany (Hockenheim)

August 1 – Hungary (Budapest)

August 29 – Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)

September 12 - Italy (Monza)

September 26 – Singapore (Singapore)

October 10 – Japan (Suzuka)

October 24 – South Korea *

November 7 – Brazil (Interlagos)

November 14 – Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina)

*subject to approval

After a prolonged period of uncertainty, the British Grand Prix has finally been saved, and will be held at Silverstone for the next 17 years.

The future of the British Grand Prix was put in jeopardy when the deal to hold the race at Donington fell apart, after the circuit’s leasing company were unable to secure the necessary funding to continue the redevelopment of the track.

The announcement was made earlier today by the British Drivers Racing Club (BRDC) and Silverstone.

Former F1 World Champion and BRDC president Damon Hill said:

“We are delighted that the long term future of the British Grand Prix has been secured and that Formula 1 will be remaining at Silverstone, its natural home in Great Britain, for at least the next 17 years.

“This long term contract will enable us to continue with our plans to develop Silverstone into a world class facility, bringing the venue into line with the very best sports facilities in the world for the benefit of all race goers, teams, drivers and fans.

“On a personal note, I would like to thank the team at Silverstone, our board of the BRDC, the membership of the BRDC and those in the industry who have been unwavering in their support.

“We have now secured the blue riband events in both two and four wheeled World Championships, and are looking forward to an exciting future.”

Work to building a new pits and paddock complex will begin after Christmas, and it is hoped this work will be complete by the time the 2011 race comes round.

Formula One Management president Bernie Ecclestone, said:

“I am pleased that we have reached an agreement with Silverstone for the retention of the British Grand Prix.

“This will ensure that Great Britain will remain on the Formula One calendar for many years to come, which is something I have personally always wanted to see happen.

“The team at Silverstone already knows how to organise a good event, so now everyone can look forward to next summer at Silverstone.”

2008 Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has also spoken of his delight at today’s news. The McLaren driver said:

“Firstly, it’s fantastic news the British Grand Prix will stay on the calendar for 2010. Secondly, it’s great the race will be at Silverstone.

“The place has an atmosphere money can’t buy and I have some fantastic memories of the track, winning both races in GP2 in 2006, getting an incredibly emotional and satisfying pole in 2007 and winning in the wet in my championship year.”

“Most importantly, those achievements have all been underlined by the reaction and support of the Silverstone crowd, which has always been fantastic. British fans are the greatest Formula One supporters in the world and this must be the best Christmas present they could ever ask for.

“I can’t wait to come home to the British Grand Prix next year when both Jenson and I will be flying the flag for Britain and doing our best to win the race.”

The 2008 British Grand Prix was a thrilling race in the wet and showcased a stunning drive from Lewis Hamilton in the McLaren Mercedes, who went on to win the race from fourth place on the grid. Here’s a reminder.

And I’ve no doubts there will be more thrilling races to come in the next 17 years.

According  to the newspaper the Daily Mail, the British Grand Prix has been saved and will be held at Silverstone in 2010. The article read;

The British Grand Prix has been saved. It will take place at Silverstone next year after the circuit and Bernie Ecclestone finally reached agreement.

The news will be officially announced in central London next week, bringing an end to the on-off saga after 18 months of uncertainty.

The article also said that an announcement will be made on Monday.

The managing director of Silverstone Holdings Richard Phillips has described the possible deal bringing the British Grand Prix to Silverstone in 2010 is very, very close.

It is just as well that the deal is close, as recently Bernie Ecclestone said that Silverstone had to sign a contract by the 11th November, or the British Grand Prix will be no more.

Richard Phillips said:

“I don’t think there are any real stumbling blocks, we’re going through the last details of the deal.”

“I’m pretty convinced that it will be run at Silverstone next year.

“There is a lot of detail to go through, so if you make a mistake, there’s a long time to repent.

“You can come to high level agreements quickly, but the devil is in the detail. We’re very, very close.

“We certainly would like the contract to be for more than 10 years – that’s the minimum.

“We always had the faith that the Grand Prix would return.

“We’ve been planning for more than a year, we’ll finish the track works in March and start on the new pits ready for 2011.”