British Grand Prix »
Silverstone Circuit
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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.
Silverstone has had more facelifts than any other track on the calendar, yet it has managed to retain its fast and challenging nature. Most recently the pit lane and start-finish was moved to lead into the new Arena Complex. However, Copse, Becketts and Stowe remain one of the most challenging sections of track anywhere in the world. It is hoped that the changes will provide more overtaking opportunities.
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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.
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Overview
| Circuit Length: |
5.901 km (3.667 miles) |
| Race Length: |
52 laps (306.9 km, 190.7 miles) |
| Circuit Type: |
Permanent course |
| Direction: |
Clockwise |
| Corners: |
18 (10 right-hand and
8 left-hand corners) |
| Elevation Change: |
Minimal |
| Run-off Area: |
Large |
| Maximum G-Force: |
5.0 G |
| Joined Calendar: |
1950 |
| Lap Record: |
1:30.874 (Fernando Alonso, Ferrari, 2010) |
| Av. Temperature: |
19°C |
| Typical Weather: |
Cloudy |
| Altitude: |
156 m AMSL |
| Official Website: |
External link |
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Medium
0.093 s/5km
Low
8%
Mid-High
Hard / 
Soft
21.2 s