Formula One News

Formula One News » Silverstone aiming to be best in world Posted on 06/07/2010

A year ago, Silverstone thought it was hosting its final British Grand Prix for the foreseeable future but, having been handed a lifeline by the farce that the Donington Park bid became, the circuit is determined to make the most of its reprieve.

Speaking to the media as the build-up to this weekend’s event gets underway, Silverstone Circuits MD Richard Phillips made no secret of his desire to put the venue at the very top of the F1 tree.

“If we can absolutely perfect our track, and everything we build is cutting edge and spectacular, then why wouldn’t people think that we are the best in the world?” he questioned, before singling out the new Yas Marina circuit as a benchmark.

“[Abu Dhabi] builds a hotel that lights up in different ways, and that’s absolutely fantastic, but have we got a better circuit than they have?” Phillips continued, “Yes, I think we have.

“Have we got better crowds, a better atmosphere? Yes. We’ve got all those things, so we’ve got something that they will never have.”

Silverstone has regularly come in from criticism from F1 commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone for what he described as dilapidated facilities and outdated methods, but much of the bluster – and threats to remove the race – was seen as a means of cajoling owners the British Racing Drivers’ Club into spending millions to bring the circuit into line with the likes of Abu Dhabi and Bahrain International.

Now armed with a revamped layout – which debuts at this weekend’s British GP – and plans to renovate its infrasructure, Phillips is confident that Silverstone can live up to the confidence shown by the award of a 17-year deal for the race.

A new pit and paddock complex is currently under construction at Club Corner, while the circuit has plans to transform its entire site in the coming years, and BRDC president Damon Hill believes that Silverstone’s history will play a big part in keeping it on the calendar.

“You certainly can’t recreate Silverstone somewhere else,” he insisted, “New tracks are being built around the world, but it’s a bit like a tree – it’s grown out of this place, out of Europe.

“The great challenges for the drivers are what sells the sport. You want to race at Monza, Monaco, Silverstone, Spa or Suzuka because you have seen great drivers on those circuits and you want to know how you compare.”