1056 replies to this topic

[SophieB]

BRITISH GRAND PRIX 2024
 
Doesn't really feel like a build up, feels like we're on one long ultra GP marathon and this is only two thirds the way there. Still, onwards! Last week, the circus was in the home of Red Bull and where there was some mild controversy as Verstappen was penalised for causing a collision with Lando Norris as Norris was attempting to overtake him for the win, leading to Norris having to retire from the race (getting done for track limits along the way). I'm sure they can all laugh about it now! Or not. As Naomi Schiff wondered aloud, what will the Silverstone crowd make of it all? Tbh, Verstappen doesn't seem the sort to make a few potential boos make his lower lip wobble but either way, allegedly the whole thing has helped Silverstone shift more of their ultra expensive tickets which they'd seemingly been sweating a bit about being left holding the bag on, so it's really is an ill wind indeed that does no-one any good. 
 
The track
 
Speaking of ill-winds, this place has lots of it - built on the remains of an old airfield, like so other many British race tracks during the war and one of the world's great race tracks was born. Iconic corners make it instantly recognisable yet they do keep mucking about with it down the decades, debatable whether it's always for the better. Current incarnation is here, via F1.com:
 

 
 
When is this happening?
 
You know when you get those alignments of the planets and it's kind of cool? Well, if I'm doing one of these threads, I feel a bit the same when the local time and British time are the same thing so behold, via Autosport's calendar:
 

 
No sprint, just one big race on the Sunday.
 
 
Tyres?
 

 
And finally, to get us in the mood some of Silverstone's notable moments. I've kept it kind of light although obviously the track has also seen some notable crashes.
 
 
Tedious idiot is nearly killed after protesting on track.  A trick that the oil protestors tried to replicate the other year but fortunately for them foiled by a red flag for a nasty crash at the start.
Hamilton wins on three wheels! Such a shame for me that this was in covid times. Imagine the crowd screaming this one over the line!
Our Nige gives Ayrton a lift home.
Schumacher and the black flag Maddeningly, I can only find tiny snippets, by way of balance, of his masterful driving in 2002 here as balance, please feel free to post it if it's out there.
Alonso misses the bus because he drove an extra demo lap of Bernie's prized car, Ferrari's first to win a GP
 
 
There are so many more! Why not add them in the comments? as ever, do feel free to share trip reports and photos if you're going and I hope you have a great time!

 

e. As Grippy reminds me, the whole thing is live on Channel 4 this weekend so UK viewers have a choice of not watching on Sky.

[MikeTekRacing]

Thanks for starting this! Hopefully it's a cracking race!

[SophieB]

lol:

 

@redbullracing

Ready for the #BritishGP ;) See you soon, Silverstone 🇬🇧

[KWSN - DSM]

Saturday

The weather for the F1 Grand Prix qualifying at Silverstone on Saturday is expected to be partly cloudy with a lower chance of rain, around 24%, The temperature will be around 17°metric.

 

Sunday

There is a chance of rain, with forecasts indicating a possibility of showers around race time1. The weather could be quite changeable, with both rain and sunny spells expected.

[thefinalapex]

lol:

 

@redbullracing

Ready for the #BritishGP ;) See you soon, Silverstone

 

I was about to post that

[jonklug]

I will make an admission. It will be unpopular but it's an honest opinion, something I've felt since starting to watch the sport regularly in 1997(10 years old).

Always found this track boring. And the change didn't improve it, it made it worse for me. I used to only dislike Sochi more, but that's gone now. Random admission of the day over.

[Myrvold]

I will make an admission. It will be unpopular but it's an honest opinion, something I've felt since starting to watch the sport regularly in 1997(10 years old).

Always found this track boring. And the change didn't improve it, it made it worse for me. I used to only dislike Sochi more, but that's gone now. Random admission of the day over.

Same, but I know why.

So the F1 games in the mid 90's to early 00's. Thats when I grew up and played them the most.
Usually after Canada I got a bit bored with the season, and that lasted until the last 3-4 races.
The tracks that often was in that middle bit became boring for me. Silverstone, Hockenhei, Magny-Cours, Hungaroring...

Things tend to stick with you from childhood, heh.

[P123]

I will make an admission. It will be unpopular but it's an honest opinion, something I've felt since starting to watch the sport regularly in 1997(10 years old).

Always found this track boring. And the change didn't improve it, it made it worse for me. I used to only dislike Sochi more, but that's gone now. Random admission of the day over.

 

A lot of people do... I think the flat nature of it plays in to that.  But I think it's layout generally allows for good racing. 

[KWSN - DSM]

I will make an admission. It will be unpopular but it's an honest opinion, something I've felt since starting to watch the sport regularly in 1997(10 years old).

Always found this track boring. And the change didn't improve it, it made it worse for me. I used to only dislike Sochi more, but that's gone now. Random admission of the day over.

 

Since I am unprincipled I only dislike tracks which should not be on the calendar. Regardless of the tracks I have magnanimously grant to be allowed being good or bad, they are implicitly liked. With that out of the way, I really, really do not like the new version they created, and I am very much against having any part of any track named after a driver still participating at the highest level.

 

The 'Old' Silverstone which was a number of variations since I started following back in the 1970ies was levels better than what they gave us - It is still one of the mainstays, and should remain so.

[jonklug]

Same, but I know why.

So the F1 games in the mid 90's to early 00's. Thats when I grew up and played them the most.
Usually after Canada I got a bit bored with the season, and that lasted until the last 3-4 races.
The tracks that often was in that middle bit became boring for me. Silverstone, Hockenhei, Magny-Cours, Hungaroring...

Things tend to stick with you from childhood, heh.

Yep I was gonna add that I played Grand Prix 2 all the time (and then Gp3 and Gp4) and I just never had fun on this track. But of course a lot of great races have happened here, hell I am still buzzing after that 1998 ending 😀

Edited by jonklug, 02 July 2024 - 18:35.

[PayasYouRace]

Same, but I know why.

So the F1 games in the mid 90's to early 00's. Thats when I grew up and played them the most.
Usually after Canada I got a bit bored with the season, and that lasted until the last 3-4 races.
The tracks that often was in that middle bit became boring for me. Silverstone, Hockenhei, Magny-Cours, Hungaroring...

Things tend to stick with you from childhood, heh.

I always got most bored with the early season stuff. Probably because of Perfect Grand Prix Game Editor, which meant I kept designing new seasons and starting again. Silverstone and Suzuka were always my favourites.

[Collombin]

I will make an admission. It will be unpopular but it's an honest opinion, something I've felt since starting to watch the sport regularly in 1997(10 years old).

Always found this track boring. And the change didn't improve it, it made it worse for me. I used to only dislike Sochi more, but that's gone now. Random admission of the day over.

Most airfield tracks are that way to me. Much preferred the GP at Brands, and most of the drivers loved it too.

Having said that, I regret not being there to see Keke 160mph. Now that would have been fun.

Edited by Collombin, 02 July 2024 - 18:43.

[SophieB]

Another great moment

 

Source http://en.espn.co.uk...tml?object=1817

[LolaB0860]

The current circuit is somewhat tolerable, but pale shadow of the previous configuration. Obviously it's not as awful trashcan as Hockenheim's modern Tilkedrome, but it's still sad. The best circuits in the UK are Oulton Park (definitely), Donington and Brands.

 

Anyway. Will be interesting to see if there any track modifications here too for kerbs or runoff.

Edited by LolaB0860, 02 July 2024 - 18:43.

[SophieB]

Most airfield tracks are that way to me. Much preferred the GP at Brands, and most of the drivers loved it too.

Brands is obviously the best but we must make our own fun, Collombin!

[SophieB]

The current circuit is somewhat tolerable, but pale shadow of the previous configuration. Obviously it's not as awful trashcan as Hockenheim's modern Tilkedrome, but it's still sad. The best circuits in the UK are Oulton Park and Donington.

 

Anyway. Will be interesting to see if there any track modifications here too for kerbs or runoff.

 

Hmmn wonder if I can add a poll question without breaking the existing one…

 

e. Well, I performed the editing equivalent of open heart surgery on the poll and it survived, so have at it.

[LolaB0860]

Hmmn wonder if I can add a poll question without breaking the existing one…

 

e. Well, I performed the editing equivalent of open heart surgery on the poll and it survived, so have at it.

 

Unfortunately those who already voted in the first one cannot vote in the second, but nevertheless my vote goes for Oulton

 

Thanks Soph!

[milestone 11]

James gets hit up the arse before causing a minor riot. At one time there were a number of videos when the bottles cans and rocks started to be thrown. Seems FOM may have had them removed.

[jonklug]

The current circuit is somewhat tolerable, but pale shadow of the previous configuration. Obviously it's not as awful trashcan as Hockenheim's modern Tilkedrome, but it's still sad. The best circuits in the UK are Oulton Park (definitely), Donington and Brands.

Anyway. Will be interesting to see if there any track modifications here too for kerbs or runoff.

Would have LOVED to watch an F1 race at Brands Hatch but the last race there was held one year before I was born. But yes probably not a track for modern F1 sadly.

[SophieB]

Unfortunately those who already voted in the first one cannot vote in the second, but nevertheless my vote goes for Oulton

 

Thanks Soph!

Awww, I kind of broke the poll after all! 

[LolaB0860]

Would have LOVED to watch an F1 race at Brands Hatch but the last race there was held one year before I was born. But yes probably not a track for modern F1 sadly.

 

Yes none of the others meet the bill of F1 standards without heavy modifications sadly (best case scenario would be Zandvoort mod)

Edited by LolaB0860, 02 July 2024 - 18:57.

[SophieB]

James gets hit up the arse before causing a minor riot. At one time there were a number of videos when the bottles cans and rocks started to be thrown. Seems FOM may have had them removed.

Good one!

Mr SophieB has attended one F1 race his whole life and it was this one. His mum refused to drive him and his brothers to a F1 race ever again because she thought the traffic was so bad but what a lucky race to have chosen if you only picked one!

[Myrvold]

Would have LOVED to watch an F1 race at Brands Hatch but the last race there was held one year before I was born. But yes probably not a track for modern F1 sadly.

ChampCar doing a race at Brands Hatch Indy was peak ChampCar!

[aportinga]

- Lando and Max take each other out.

- Russell blown engine.

- Sainz collides at the start - sent to the pits for new bits and ends in 8th.

- Both Haas and one Alpine finishes higher than Perez.

- Tsunoda destroys Daniel Ric.

- Leclerc wins with Lewis coming in second and Piastri in 3rd.

Edited by aportinga, 02 July 2024 - 18:59.

[jonklug]

Yes none of the others meet the bill of F1 standards without heavy modifications sadly (best case scenario would be Zandvoort mod)

I guess it would need the Zandvoort treatment but also dropping Silverstone which has a long standing contract I think so, yea, it's here to stay.

[KWSN - DSM]

Awww, I kind of broke the poll after all! 

 

Well I voted other, thus explaining in the thread as requested, and despite my misgivings, this being a F1 thread I grade as a F1 track, making Silverstone the answer.

[LolaB0860]

I guess it would need the Zandvoort treatment but also dropping Silverstone which has a long standing contract I think so, yea, it's here to stay.

 

Yeah and even if Silverstone was axed someday it'd be replaced by night street race

[aportinga]

ChampCar doing a race at Brands Hatch Indy was peak ChampCar!

 

I give you Bob Varsha!

 

[milestone 11]

Hmmn wonder if I can add a poll question without breaking the existing one…
 
e. Well, I performed the editing equivalent of open heart surgery on the poll and it survived, so have at it.

I voted Brands, but I love Goodwood and Thruxton. Then we have all the lesser known treasures like Cadwell and Knockhillamong others in the BSB and BTCC.

[SophieB]

I give you Bob Varsha!

 

He is the best.

[Gareth]

FWIW I really like the circuit and current layout.

 

Plenty of good overtaking spots. Village, The Loop, Brooklands, Stowe, and The Vale all offer super opportunities. The layout also provides plenty of scope for some of those to be multi-corner battles.

 

From a viewing in person POV, it being flat and the "pinch point" from the new section (coming to meet Becketts) means you can view a huge % of the track from lots of vantage points. Particularly handy when there are only 50 something laps.

[thefinalapex]

Its probably been explained before but why did they change the layout for 2010?

[milestone 11]

Good one!
Mr SophieB has attended one F1 race his whole life and it was this one. His mum refused to drive him and his brothers to a F1 race ever again because she thought the traffic was so bad but what a lucky race to have chosen if you only picked one!

My first ever GP was the following year at Silverstone where Master James won again and fortunately, kept it. Also the debut of some Canadian loon who took the world by storm for a short while. My fandom was cemented for ever.

[milestone 11]

Its probably been explained before but why did they change the layout for 2010?

Initially the new bits were built to accommodate moto GP once again, I think.

[Nemo1965]

I’d be the odd man out but I think this is one of the few old tracks that improved with the changes. The old version with the clumsy chicane before the finish straight was the worst, though it did give the classic moment in 1981 when Gilles Villeneuve took too much curb and took out several drivers with him. John Watson missed the mayhem by a whisker (his teammate Andrea de Cesaris especially) and was a very popular winner. But I digress: I think the new track offers some nice variation of curves and some better spots for overtaking.

Edited by Nemo1965, 02 July 2024 - 20:06.

[garoidb]

I’d be the odd man out but I think this is one of the few old tracks that improved with the changes. The old version with the clumsy chicane before the finish straight was the worst, though it did give the classic moment in 1981 when Gilles Villeneuve took too much curb and took out several drivers with him. John Watson missed the mayhem by a whisker (his teammate Andrea de Cesaris especially) and was a very popular winner. But I digress: I think the new track offers some nice variation of curves and some better spots for overtaking.

 

It may well have. The sheer number of times it was changed messed with the much-heralded heritage aspect though.

 

Other tracks, or perhaps more correctly track locations, have hugely changed their layouts but did it (for the most part) in one fell swoop. Spa, Paul Ricard and, to some extent, Hockenheim would be examples of tracks with heritage being significantly modified in one major renovation. 

 

The new Nurburgring and the Red Bull Ring don't really pretend to be the same track as their predecessors (and obviously aren't).

[chdphd]

Its probably been explained before but why did they change the layout for 2010?

 

MotoGP was coming to Silverstone and Donington Park was going to have the F1.

[Anja]

I can never understand why so many people dislike Silverstone so much. Sure, you could say it's a bit bland with the flat profile and changes diluting the legacy aspect but it's undeniably one of the absolute best F1 circuits in terms of pure racing. Consistently producing good action year after year, no matter what kind of cars is in use. Multiple overtaking spots, corner sequences allowing for long battles. What more could you ask for?

Edited by Anja, 02 July 2024 - 20:50.

[Ali623]

I can never understand why so many people dislike this track so much. Sure, it's a bit bland with the flat profile and changes diluting the legacy aspect but it's undeniably one of the absolute best F1 circuits in terms of pure racing. Consistently producing good action year after year, no matter what kind of cars is in use. Multiple overtaking spots, corner sequences allowing for long and close battles - what more could you ask for really?

Completely agree, it’s probably my favourite circuit on the calendar for those reasons alone. How many circuits allow for modern F1 cars to battle/run side-by-side over multiple corners in multiple parts of the lap, none come close to Silverstone in that regard, in my opinion. It’s a great circuit, and one of my favourite GP’s of the season, you’re almost always guaranteed a good race here.

Edited by Ali623, 02 July 2024 - 20:54.

[Gareth]

Considered liking your post Ali but the jinx potential was just too strong.

[B Squared]

Most airfield tracks are that way to me. Much preferred the GP at Brands, and most of the drivers loved it too.

Having said that, I regret not being there to see Keke 160mph. Now that would have been fun.

That to me was the best track configuration. I think the high-speed nature and openness of the Burke Lakefront Airport circuit in my CART days made it one of my favorite races to work.

Edited by B Squared, 02 July 2024 - 20:56.

[MikeTekRacing]

I just love the run through Maggots and Becketts. Racing sometimes sucks, but the flow of the track and the love of the fans is unique. 

Silverstone is also the birthplace of F1.

[Collombin]

Silverstone is also the birthplace of F1

The switchboards are on overload fielding complaints from Turin, Pau, even Dieppe. First town to lodge 1,000 complaints wins the argument.

[mhno1f]

I can never understand why so many people dislike Silverstone so much. Sure, you could say it's a bit bland with the flat profile and changes diluting the legacy aspect but it's undeniably one of the absolute best F1 circuits in terms of pure racing. Consistently producing good action year after year, no matter what kind of cars is in use. Multiple overtaking spots, corner sequences allowing for long battles. What more could you ask for?

I wouldn't say I disliked it, and whilst the 2010 changes have helped overtaking - I much prefer the pre 2010 version (in a sim - never had the pleasure in real life!). Just doesn't flow so well.
For me Sao Paulo, Spa & Suzuka are tier 1, Silverstone is in tier 2. Pre 2010 changes - would be tier 1

[ARTGP]

Silverstone isn't flat (and neither is the earth...)  

 

Edited by ARTGP, 02 July 2024 - 22:08.

[Gareth]

Silverstone isn't flat (and neither is the earth...)

I’m regretting signing up to run around it in November now

[PayasYouRace]

Its probably been explained before but why did they change the layout for 2010?

You can blame our two wheeled brethren for that. We were supposed to go to Donington, with these modifications:

 

[Grippy]

I like Silverstone for the fact that you still get a good impression of speed on the TV which seems to be missing on a lot of coverage nowadays.

[AncientLurker]

I like Silverstone for the fact that you still get a good impression of speed on the TV which seems to be missing on a lot of coverage nowadays.

Don’t worrry, the way the tv has been going this year it will be only ultra close ups through the fastest parts of the track and you will have no sense of speed or what the heck is going on.

[IrvTheSwerve]

Silverstone isn't flat (and neither is the earth...)  

 

I think those track maps exaggerate the profile of the track generally…e.g. there’s no doubt that the run between Stowe and Club is slightly downhill but it’s nowhere near what that map depicts. Same for the ‘uphill’ between the s/f straight and the loop.