Silverstone is the original Formula One circuit, the place where the world championship began in 1950, and one of the fastest circuits on the calendar. However, whilst most of the other high-speed circuits rely on long straights, Silverstone is about the breathtaking sweeps of the first half of the lap which stretches from the right-hander at Copse through the thrilling Becketts complex and down the Hangar Straight, putting on emphasis on a balanced set-up rather than just sheer power. The downside to that is that over-taking is difficult, although not impossible.
However, for 2010, Silverstone have replaced the Priory complex with the new Arena section which adds a further 760 metres to the circuit and is expected to increase F1 lap times by four seconds. It is hoped that the changes will provide more overtaking opportunities.
Santander British Grand Prix
Top speed:
304 km/h (189 mph)
Average speed:
234 km/h (145 mph)
Time at full-throttle:
64%
Time under braking:
8%
Gear changes per lap:
40
Tyre compounds:
soft/hard
Tyre wear:
medium/high
Brake demand:
low
Downforce level:
high
Santander British Grand Prix
Maintaining a consistent aerodynamic performance is critical for performance in the quick corners, with strong cross winds, a bumpy surface and liberal use of the kerbs all trying to upset a car's aerodynamic balance. The sweeping curves directs the downforce since the straights are relatively short and any deficit in straight-line speed caused by a medium-high set-up is unlikely to compromise the driver.
Silverstone remains one of the harder circuits in terms of the demands it places on the engine as the drivers take the quick corners on either full or partial throttle. However, the cutting of engine power in recent years has disappointingly reduced the challenge of the Silverstone circuit. Corners previously requiring downshifts are now taken with just a lift of the throttle, and indeed the first half of the circuit, all the way to Vale, requires very little braking at all. That also means that teams run some of the smallest brake ducts of the year in order to optimise aerodynamic performance.
To view this content, JavaScript must be enabled, and you need the latest version of the Adobe Flash Player available here.
Santander British Grand Prix
Key Points:
'Copse' - A fast right-hand bend that is taken almost flat out at high g-force. The entry is very fast and drivers have to get the line just right in order to set a good lap.
'Becketts' – Very fast and exciting combination that is vital to get right in order to achieve a good lap time.
