The History of Silverstone F1 British Grand Prix

The History of Silverstone F1 British Grand Prix

F1 British Grand Prix was started at Silverstone city in Northampstonshire in early 1950. The city was chosen because its runways and taxiways were damaged during the Second World War and this was the ideal track to challenge themselves with. Modifications were later made on the tracks as the grand prix gained momentum and popularity among the drivers.

Today, major upgrading has been done on the tracks. The game has become a major activity not only in Silverstone or in Britain, but also in the rest of the world.

Britain wasn't the initial inventor of F1 British Grand Prix. The US and France were the original Formula One racers with France staring its in late 1800s. However, Britain has managed to overtake the F1 titles and it is home to all major racing events. During the first competition in 1950, an Italian-Giuseppe Farina was crowned the winner. The great names that rule this event are Jordan, Williams, Jaguar, McLaren, Cooper, Benetton, Tyrell, Lotus, Arrows, Stewart and Brabham among others.

One driver who has made a big mark in this sporting event is Colin Chapman. He only raced for one season-in 1956 and ever since, has been involved in building and designing racing cars. In the US, he is acclaimed for bringing forth new technology in rear engine to the Indi 500 cars.

Britain has produced great drivers and teams in both regional and international races. Currently, the great racers of Formula One are Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button. Hamilton, a UK citizen becomes the first ever youngest driver to win in the world championship with McLaren just a year after joining. Button started racing for major competitions in 2000 and is the current first runner's up in ranking, after Hamilton.

The F1 British Grand Prix has recorded 11 wins so far. These were got from Peter Collins, Nigel Mansell, James Hunt, Stirling Moss, Jackie Stewart, Jim Clarke, Damon Hill, John Watson, David Coulthard, Lewis Hamilton and Johnny Herbert. The Silverstone race covers 3.66 miles having taken 52 laps.

The course has a couple of corners. These corners are around 18 and here is where most of the drivers loose it. The rest of the course is straight and helps the drivers pick up the speed and overtake the rest of the drivers. The current holder of this course is Michael Schumacher and he has held the title thrice so far. Spectators can do so on Ferraris or Motorbikes as they go round the course.