CLASSIC TRACKS
Silverstone began life as RAF Silverstone in 1943, where Wellington Bomber pilots of No 17 Operational Training Unit trained in night-bombing techniques.
After the war the airfield lay derelict for a few years, until, in 1948, the Royal Automobile Club took out a lease on the venue and staged the first British Grand Prix for cars, using both the main runways and part of the perimeter track. At that time, the circuit was marked out by nothing more than road cones and straw bales, and the only thing protecting the 100,000 spectators were primitive rope fences. The three original runways still lie within the perimeter of the current Silverstone circuit.
The first motorcycle race held at Silverstone was the Hutchinson 100, which was staged by the Bemsee Club on October 8, 1949. From 1949 until 1976 the Senior TT counted as the British round of the Grand Prix motorcycle world championships but, in 1977, the first British Motorcycle Grand Prix was staged at Silverstone. It moved to Donington Park between 1987 but has been re-established at Silverstone since 2010.
The British Racing Drivers’ Club took over Silverstone from the RAC in 1951 and still retains control of the circuit today.
Magic moments
Silverstone has seen more than its share of drama and excitement over the years. These are just some of the most momentous events and incidents that have happened at the circuit.
1977: The first British GP
Since the Isle of Man TT counted
