Silverstone will be sending the British Grand Prix off in style in its 60th year – the circuit has announced that, with four months still to go, the venue is on course for a capacity crowd.
This is the last year of its contract with F1 promoter Bernie Ecclestone to host the race which, from 2010, is due to be staged at Donington Park – currently engaged in a redevelopment project to raise its facilities to the necessary standards.
Of course, having a British World Champion in the shape of Lewis Hamilton probably isn’t doing ticket sales any harm at all.
Richard Phillips, managing director of Silverstone, said: “The 2009 British Grand Prix will be a double celebration — marking the last British Grand Prix at Silverstone for the foreseeable future and the homecoming for a British Formula 1 world champion, Lewis Hamilton.
“The last two British Grands Prix at Silverstone have both sold out in advance and this year’s event looks set to sell out even earlier. Several grandstands are already at capacity, while general admission tickets are also close to selling out.
“However, there are still tickets available in a number of terraces and grandstands. This year’s British Grand Prix is going to be a real celebration and we would urge anyone wanting to join us to book their tickets as soon as possible.”
If you want to be there, visit the Silverstone website for details. Or you could try the fan exchange Seatwave.
And, if you fancy a spot of nostalgia, try the 1950 British Grand Prix video attached to this post.
• Sir Jackie Stewart has called for the British Grand Prix to be returned to Silverstone if Donington Park is not ready to stage it.
The retired racing legend and former BRDC president, who has twice won the race, said: “I think Bernie is a Brit and a proud Brit and I don’t think he really wants to see no British Grand Prix. I think that would be a very negative thing on him and the people around him.
“I hold nothing against Donington trying to do it but I would love to be assured that there will be a British Grand Prix. We have had it since 1950. It’s the oldest Grand Prix in the world and it would be terrible to lose it.”