RE: A statement from Silverstone
RE: A statement from Silverstone
Wednesday 4th July 2007

A statement from Silverstone

Silverstone activate contingency plans following adverse weather conditions



“Most of the UK has been affected by torrential rain in recent weeks and unfortunately Northamptonshire is no exception. The weather conditions have had an impact on towns and events throughout the country and, due to the unpredictable and evolving forecast, Silverstone  has  activated  a  series  of  contingency  plans  to minimise  the disruption  for fans heading to the British Grand Prix this weekend (6-8th July).”

“During the build up to the event Silverstone has been working closely with the Highways Agency,  Police  and  other  agencies,  to  monitor  the  conditions and prepare  for  any weather  related  eventualities  that  could  have  an  impact  on the  circuit's  infrastructure, including the car parks and traffic management system.”

“As a  result  of  the  recent weather Silverstone has drafted in additional resource in the way  of  manpower  and  temporary  roadways  to  strengthen  its  existing  car parking facilities, including the circuit's own hard standing car parks which can accommodate up to 10,000 vehicles on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.”

“In addition to bolstering its own facilities, circuit bosses are also working with the police and  other  agencies  to  monitor  the  situation  with  local  campsites,  which are  privately owned and operated independently.”

Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, commented, "The recent weather conditions have affected the entire country. Whole sections of the UK are under  water;  Wimbledon  looks  set  to  go  into  a  third  week;  and  the Royal  Show  at Stoneleigh Park has been forced to finish a day early. We've been keeping a close eye on  the  weather  and  have  now  actioned  a  number  of contingency  plans  to  minimise disruption to the fans and ensure that the customer experience is not compromised."

Circuit  bosses  are  also  appealing  for  patience  and  co-operation  from  race-goers, and have passed on the following advice for anyone heading to the Northamptonshire circuit this weekend:

  • Please do not arrive on site unless you have a car park pass and an event ticket.
  • Spectators will not be able to park at the circuit with a Park and Ride pass. If you have a Park and Ride Pass it is only valid for the Park and Ride service.
  • Please allow extra time for entry to the circuit and be prepared for minor disruptions.
  • For traffic and weather updates, as well as event news, please tune into Silverstone
  • Radio which is broadcast on 87.7 FM - 24 hours a day from 10:00hrs Thursday to 20:00hrs on Sunday.
  • Please  use  Public  Transport  where  possible  -  Megabus  are  operating  a coach service   from   Milton   Keynes   Central   train   station;   Stagecoach   a  service from Northampton train station - for further information visit www.silverstone.co.uk./php/rm_britishGP_getToSilver.php
  • If feasible, please share a car with friends/neighbours who may be travelling from the same area.
  • If  camping,  please  check  with  your  campsite  operator  as  they  may  have specific instructions in light of the recent rainfall.

Phillips added, "The facilities at Silverstone have improved beyond recognition in recent years. Our vastly improved road infrastructure, British Grand Prix traffic management system and hard standing car parks have seen Silverstone become one of the easiest F1 circuits  in  the  world  to  get  in  and  out  of.  The enjoyment of our spectators is of paramount importance and we are doing everything possible to minimise the effect of the current weather conditions.

"We have contacted the majority of ticket holders, advising them of the current situation, and would like to thank them in advance for their co-operation ahead of what looks set to be one of the most exciting British Grand Prix in recent years."

Author
Discussion

spice

Original Poster:

654 posts

299 months

Wednesday 4th July 2007
quotequote all
looks like i will be going up in the ML and not the 360 DOH!

mark3man

245 posts

240 months

Wednesday 4th July 2007
quotequote all
I'll be using the Sunseeker laugh

Pwig

12,003 posts

299 months

Wednesday 4th July 2007
quotequote all
mark3man said:
I'll be using the Sunseeker laugh
hehe

mybrainhurts

90,809 posts

284 months

Wednesday 4th July 2007
quotequote all
Weather will be ok this weekend...

It's always good for Duxford shows (well, except for one a couple of years ago)....

peter pan

1,253 posts

253 months

Thursday 5th July 2007
quotequote all
I have only been to Silverstone once by road, all the other times I have flown in. (Its tough but someone has to do it!) Even flying in, has its problems though. On one very wet GP we noticed faint shapes flitting through the murk around us. other helicopters of course! believe me, it is very very scary.

beasto

323 posts

243 months

Thursday 5th July 2007
quotequote all
Best bet for me is to park a mile or two away and jump on my folding bike which lives in the boot. Healthy too!

Twincharged

1,851 posts

234 months

Thursday 5th July 2007
quotequote all
peter pan said:
I have only been to Silverstone once by road, all the other times I have flown in. (Its tough but someone has to do it!) Even flying in, has its problems though. On one very wet GP we noticed faint shapes flitting through the murk around us. other helicopters of course! believe me, it is very very scary.
Did you fly in by helicopter, or is this in some way related to your name?

Sorry... getmecoat

SI-PEN

1,009 posts

266 months

Thursday 5th July 2007
quotequote all
Mr. Silverstone Managing Director says they have contacted the majority of ticket holders...Well I have a Grandstand ticket and no bu@@ers let me know of the current situation. Thank god for Piston Heads to keep me informed!

The Londoner

3,964 posts

267 months

Thursday 5th July 2007
quotequote all
Hope they sort things out, otherwise that's more ammo for Bernie's ever growing hatred of the circuit.

rubystone

11,254 posts

288 months

Thursday 5th July 2007
quotequote all
Twincharged said:
peter pan said:
I have only been to Silverstone once by road, all the other times I have flown in. (Its tough but someone has to do it!) Even flying in, has its problems though. On one very wet GP we noticed faint shapes flitting through the murk around us. other helicopters of course! believe me, it is very very scary.
Did you fly in by helicopter, or is this in some way related to your name?

Sorry... getmecoat
laugh

chim666

2,337 posts

294 months

Thursday 5th July 2007
quotequote all
The Londoner said:
Hope they sort things out, otherwise that's more ammo for Bernie's ever growing hatred of the circuit.
I can see him drafting a statement right now! type

madazrx7

5,974 posts

246 months

Thursday 5th July 2007
quotequote all
Last time I was in England (Easter2000) my brother just bought a new XKR "Silverstone" and had VIP tickets for us for the BGP.
We were planning on going but the weather was terrible then as well, before we had left Surrey we heard on the radio "if you're not already in you won't be getting in"!
He enquired about getting a helicopter but was told they were grounded as well...
I think I heard that at least 1 driver (Hakkinen I think?) had to comandeer a police motorcycle to get him out of the traffic jam and into the circuit rolleyes


edit because I spelt "XKR" wrong...


Edited by madazrx7 on Thursday 5th July 09:46

Yeloperil

147 posts

236 months

Thursday 5th July 2007
quotequote all
I am aware Silverstone staff are working very hard to minimise the effects of the weather and to make sure we all enjoy a very memorable weekend. So let us all be very positive and not give Bernie any amunition !!

super7

2,249 posts

237 months

Thursday 5th July 2007
quotequote all
Silverstone emailed me yesterday afternoon.... thumbup


either you didn't get the right email address or didn't bother giving them one....confused

peter pan

1,253 posts

253 months

Thursday 5th July 2007
quotequote all
Twincharged the answer to your question, is yes, on both counts.

SI-PEN

1,009 posts

266 months

Thursday 5th July 2007
quotequote all
SI-PEN said:
Mr. Silverstone Managing Director says they have contacted the majority of ticket holders...Well I have a Grandstand ticket and no bu@@ers let me know of the current situation. Thank god for Piston Heads to keep me informed!
Apologises, got email this morning after posting above! I take it all back...up the Brits!!!! Would be great to have a British Silverstone winner this year, although I guess this is limited to one British driver now as the others all seem to be further down the pecking order. I always hoped Jenson would do the business at home but no such luck.

Nobbyuk

28 posts

233 months

Thursday 5th July 2007
quotequote all
Anyone go last year and can give an indication of how long it takes to get in on race day now the roads have changed, do I really need to aim for 6am or 10? :-) thanks

RobbieMeister

1,307 posts

299 months

Thursday 5th July 2007
quotequote all

I think I'll use the Enterprise.

Get the crew to use the transporter.

Knowing my luck they'll beam me down in a puddle.


woof

8,456 posts

306 months

Thursday 5th July 2007
quotequote all
madazrx7 said:
I think I heard that at least 1 driver (Hakkinen I think?) had to comandeer a police motorcycle to get him out of the traffic jam and into the circuit rolleyes
better than that - Ron Dennis flagged down a passing biker (joe public) and got him to take Mika into the circuit smile

super7

2,249 posts

237 months

Thursday 5th July 2007
quotequote all
Nobbyuk,

Do you have a grandstand ticket?

If so, get in for about 8! which means a 20min delay to get parked, at least it was last year.

The good spots around for general adminission are usually gone by then so you'll want to get in earlier!