The 2014 Silverstone Grand Prix will soon be upon us, and it is one of the most highly anticipated events on the motorsport calendar. Silverstone promises thrilling duels, excited crowds, and its fair share of on- and off-track drama. In this article, we’ll look at the next Silverstone Grand Prix, what you should do when visiting for the day, and what facts you should know about this iconic racing circuit.
Visiting Silverstone
The next Silverstone Grand Prix is on Sunday, July 7th, 2024, sandwiched between races in Austria and Hungary. However, if you want to go, you’ll need to act fast, as this race is always in high demand. Below are some tips to ensure you have the best time on race day.
Before You Go
Make sure you purchase your tickets well in advance. This is a very popular race on the calendar and always attracts the elite of the elite, as well as many more racing fans. Consider buying hospitality packages or concierge services if you need help finding general release tickets.
While sorting out your tickets, you must also consider your accommodation. Hotels close to Silverstone become fully booked very quickly. However, many fans choose to camp at nearby campsites. If that’s too muddy, why consider Glamping instead?
Whether staying nearby or travelling from afar on qualifying or race day, you must plan your journey to the track. Traffic can become congested, so leave with plenty of time to spare.
Getting There
To arrive in style, you could use a private charter jet. Luton is the closest commercial airport, but several smaller airstrips are in the local area, such as Hinton-in-the-Hedges Airfield or EGBT.
If driving to Silverstone, ensure you have already purchased a parking pass and follow the event-related directions nearby. However, if you’d rather use public transport, check with your accommodation or package provider for shuttle buses or special services.
What to Bring
As we’re sure you know, British weather is very unpredictable, so even though it’s July, make sure to bring rain gear and some sun cream.
However, your main set of clothes should be comfortable. It will be a long day, and you’ll likely do a lot of walking.
If you don’t have a pre-booked seat, consider bringing a portable chair or blanket for added comfort, but check if your section allows this beforehand.
The racing can be very loud, even if the new engines aren’t as noisy as they once were, so consider bringing ear protection, especially if you’re with children.
During the Event
On the event day, visit the various fan zones and merchandise areas to experience as much of the circuit as possible.
If the weather is as good as we expect, you’ll need to keep yourself hydrated and fuelled, so look for the many food stalls dotted around the fan zone areas.
While it might be tempting to explore all day, it’s easy to lose track of time, so be mindful of the scheduled racing or qualifying session. Using the Silverstone app is a great way to ensure you don’t miss any action.
Safety and Convenience
Make sure to bring both cash and payment cards, as some vendors may only accept cards. Having cash is always wise in case of a technical error.
Should anything happen and you become separated from your group, have a designated meet-up sport that you can all identify and get to quickly.
Furthermore, you should familiarise yourselves with the location of the medical tents and welfare facilities, just as a precaution.
Five Facts About Silverstone
Historical Significance
Silverstone Circuit was home to the first-ever Formula One World Championship race, which took place on May 13th 1950. This iconic event marked the beginning of the modern Formula One series, which has solidified Silverstone’s place in the history and future of motorsport.
Location and Layout
Silverstone Circuit is located in Northampton, almost midway between Birmingham and London. It is built on the site of a former Royal Air Force bomber station. The layout has changed several times over the years, with the last major redesign coming in 2010.
Iconic Corners
Silverstone is known for its challenging, high-speed corners, the most well-known being Copse, Maggotts, Becketts, and Chapel. These corners are famous for their high speed and the skill required to navigate them, making Silverstone a truly challenging track.
Facilities and Upgrades
The most notable upgrade to the facilities was the 2011 addition of the Silverstone Wing, a state-of-the-art pit and paddock complex. This investment has helped maintain Silverstone’s status as the go-to racing venue capable of hosting the most significant international motorsport events.
Major Events
In addition to being home to the Formula One British Grand Prix, Silverstone also hosts many more major motorsport events, including the British round of the MotoGP World Championship, the FIA World Endurance Championship, and the Silverstone Classic, a classic racing car festival.
Planning Your Trip To Silverstone
By planning and being prepared, you can make the most of your visit to Silverstone and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport experience. A lot of planning is involved, which often starts up to a year in advance. However, it’s still possible to snag tickets closer to the day by using concierge services or by buying sponsorship or hospitality packages.
