In June 2009, the Formula 1 fraternity travelled to Silverstone believing that it would not be returning any time in the foreseeable future. Yet here we are, just over a year later, with the revamped circuit in better shape than ever and therefore more than ready to play host to the 2010 British Grand Prix.
12 months ago, Donington Park was set to be staging this weekend’s race although the tragic death of long-time owner Tom Wheatcroft at the end of October only compounded a terrible period for the Derbyshire venue, with Simon Gillett’s Donington Ventures Leisure Limited having left the track in a terrible state before running out of money and withdrawing from the project.
Thankfully, Donington is now in the safe hands of a Worcestershire construction firm which is working hard to restore the site to its former glory. Just up the M1, meantime, Silverstone’s infield has been completely transformed as F1 prepares to race on the brand-new Arena section of circuit for the first time.
As well as this, new raised grandstands at the Maggots/Becketts complex will provide superb viewing for spectators. Further round the track, we have a re-profiled Club corner followed by a straight which, on its right-hand side, has a pit wall for the new facilities which are being constructed prior to their completion at the end of this year. That feeds the track right, as opposed to left in previous seasons, and through the rapid Abbey curve which precedes an even quickly Farm corner, Village, The Loop and Aintree.
Village in particular is being hyped up as an overtaking spot, as is the longer Brooklands, which is now the first corner of the previous ‘Complex’ and is accessed via the Wellington Straight (formerly known as National Straight but now taking the name of the bombers which used the strip as a runway during World War II). The only down side for drivers is that the ultra-quick Bridge is no longer part of the Grand Prix track although the setting in general is still set to be more enjoyable for competitors and spectators alike.
The new features of 2010 are made only more special, though, by the history which surrounds the former RAF base. As F1 continues to celebrate its 60th birthday year, Silverstone can once again be proud of the knowledge that it hosted the first ever World Championship race back in 1950, with the King and Queen present to watch Champion elect Giuseppe Farina and his Alfa Romeo team storm to victory.
This weekend also marks the first time that English Champions Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button head to their home race as McLaren team-mates, hoping to emulate the British countrymen who have enjoyed home victories before them: Stirling Moss and Tony Brooks, Peter Collins, Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, James Hunt, John Watson, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill, Johnny Herbert and David Coulthard. In Hamilton’s case, of course, it would be his second home success after utterly dominating and leading Nick Heidfeld home by over a full minute in 2008.
Last year’s race at Silverstone very much marked a turning point in the championship as Red Bull brought Brawn and Button’s run of victories to an end by repeating their 1-2 finish of China; it would be from this moment onwards that the Milton Keynes boys would heavily challenge the Brackley squad for World Championship honours. It’s a different story in 2010, though, with potentially six drivers able to win – from McLaren, Red Bull or Ferrari – heading into the weekend.
It’s not all good news, though, as the Holiday Inn hotel on the nearby A43 – a popular ranch for F1 team members as well as fans - suffered an incredibly unfortunate and ill-timed blaze on Tuesday night which left three fire brigades fighting the inferno, which has sadly left the building destroyed, through the early hours of the morning; scheduled guests are now hurriedly being relocated ahead of the hectic race weekend.
Making predictions is, once again, not an easy task in 2010 although McLaren are certainly in a good position to enjoy a home victory, not least as their drivers are able to make best use of the straight-line speed gains from their f-ducts. However, a number of teams are introducing new parts and so surprises could be just around the corner…
…and it might even rain!
Laps: 52
Record: N/A
Local start time: 1pm (BST)
Slick tyre compounds:
Soft & Hard
Circuit changes for 2010:
- Introduction of the Arena section between Club and Brooklands
- A new-run off area at Woodcote, necessary for MotoGP
- Extra run-off areas at Maggots, Club, Abbey and Brooklands
- 2-metre wide strips of AstroTurf installed at Stowe, Village, Aintree, Brooklands and Luffield
- Raised kerbs on apexes of Maggots, Vale, Club, Village and The Loop
At a glance:
- Silverstone pole position winners
- Silverstone Grand Prix winners
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