New Silverstone Pit Complex Officially Open
£27m facility is ready for the Brit GP this July - and even Bernie's happy
Silverstone officially opens its new pit and paddock complex today (even if it's not quite ready - see photo), just under two months before the British GP, and with a host of star drivers in attendance, including British world champions Damon Hill and Nigel Mansell.
It’s been a tough few years for Silverstone but, after a difficult few years during which the circuit came under constant criticism from F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone for the poor state of its facilities and when the GP oh-so-nearly moved to Donington Park, the Northamptonshire circuit is finally officially back in F1’s good books.
“Thank God I persisted because now we’ll have a super circuit,” Ecclestone told the Telegraph. “One that when people say ‘We are building a circuit; can we come and have a look at Silverstone?’ I can happily say, ‘Yes, build it like this’. Whereas before it was the last place I would encourage them to see.”
The rejuvenation of the circuit, which is owned by the BRDC (British Racing Drivers Club), began last year with the new Arena section of track and is completed by the new 41-garage building, designed by the same architects responsible for the 2012 Olympic stadium.
Speaking on Radio 4’s today programme about the £27m new facilities, BRDC president Damon Hill said: "This year's Grand Prix and all the major international events will take place using the new facility. Silverstone has got a right to a permanent place on the calendar and so we hope this is a long-term thing that will make the circuit smart."
I have always quite enjoyed the low-budget feel of Silverstone because it reminds you of all that it's evolved from. That said, the ticket price certainly isn't low budget
If this is what's needed to retain a British Grand Prix than it's more than welcome to me, and I'm just bloody glad Mr. Tilke hasn't been invited to the party at any stage.
Or plenty of other circuits in the news time after time he's threatened where huge sums are expended for his company profit?
Sad this is the only F-1 news you could come up with - a shame you didn't fairly show all the years / torrent of abuse/criticism he's levelled at Sir JYS, Damon Hill and others on Silverstone.
But that wouldn't have made the news would it?
An impressive looking building though, that's for sure.
Or plenty of other circuits in the news time after time he's threatened where huge sums are expended for his company profit?
Sad this is the only F-1 news you could come up with - a shame you didn't fairly show all the years / torrent of abuse/criticism he's levelled at Sir JYS, Damon Hill and others on Silverstone.
But that wouldn't have made the news would it?
Anyways, this is supposed to be a good news story for Silverstone and the BRDC - both of which, might I remind you, appear to have survived years of bashing from Bernie .
Take a of coverage in the UK papers today and he's certainly making it about him, his inspiration, his actions.
No where does it mention his threats, his bullying tactics, his strongarming, etc.
I HATE credit-claimers, and Bernie's stealing from something's goodness by making it about HIM.
That's categorically NOT on and complete B.S.
I'm not so sure on the photography comment above, a proper International Spec circuit is always going to be a bit more challenging than, say, Castle Combe. Run-off and catch fencing will always work against you. That said, it's fun trying and with a bit of creativity you can get stunning results. A huge canvas is positioned proudly on my study wall that I took at the 2009 GP, you wouldn't know it was taken from a public position.
Joking apart, we will get your actual genuine photos up as soon as we can get hold of some, so stay tuned etc etc...
Edited to remove misattribution
IMO.
Portimao in Portugal is proof that new F1-grade circuits CAN be built, and CAN be great.... if only F1 would go there...
"Silverstone has hosted the race regularly since the start of the F1 championship in 1950 (in which it was the first race of the first ever official World Championship) and every year since 1987; it alternated with Brands Hatch between 1964 and 1986, and with Aintree (better known as a horse-racing course) between 1955 and 1962."
So I don't understand your comments. There's clearly at least 2 homes.
IMO.
Its 'strange' (the politest word i can think of) how Bernie has so much cash yet Silverstone struggles to break even on an F1 weekend, tickets aren't exactly cheap...
Regardless of all the politics it is a relief that there is going to be an F1 race in Britain for the foreseeable future, it would have been embarrassing on a world-wide scale.
Does anyone know if it is meant to look like an F1 car?? (because it sort of does in profile ;-)
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