...... ahead of British GP
Following the decision by Michelin, on safety grounds, to advise their teams to withdraw from the United States Grand Prix on 19th June, Silverstone has today taken steps to reassure the 100,000 fans heading to the 2005 FORMULA 1™ Foster’s British Grand Prix on Sunday 10th July, that they will not see a repeat of the weekend’s events in Indianapolis.
In a brief statement Alex Hooton, Chief Executive of the BRDC, owners of Silverstone Circuits Limited, commented: “We have been advised that the tyre problems experienced by a number of Michelin shod Formula One teams at the United States Grand Prix were due to a combination of the track surface and the unique high speed configuration of the banked and walled Indianapolis circuit.
“The banked corners are a feature of the Indianapolis circuit and are a one-off in Formula One. The problems that arose as a direct result of the banking at turn 13 should not be experienced at any other circuit.” Hooton continued: “While Silverstone is one of the fastest circuits in the world, the configuration of the Grand Prix circuit does not place the tyres under the pressure levels they had to withstand in Indianapolis. “Silverstone is also a circuit that teams competing in the FIA Formula One World Championship are particularly familiar with.
Eight of the ten teams attended the official tyre test at Silverstone between 1st & 3rd June, and several use the circuit throughout the year for private tyre tests. The teams are fully prepared for the UK’s premier motorsport event on 10th July, so it is inconceivable that we will see a repeat of events from the weekend.” With just 1,500 tickets remaining Silverstone is in positive mood and thoroughly looking forward to another fantastic Grand Prix weekend at the Home of British Motor Racing.
Hooton concluded: “2005 has been one of the best F1 seasons for many years and has produced some spectacular racing. The battle for the F1 championship re-commences at Magny Cours, and then it’s back here at Silverstone on 10th July for what will be another hugely entertaining British Grand Prix.
“We’re expecting the event to sell-out at the end of this, or the beginning of next week, so for the second year running the drivers can look forward to racing on one of the best racing circuits in the world, in front of 100,000 fans.” Fans favourite Jenson Button is also looking forward to getting back to what he does best – race. With the BAR Honda driver starting to find the form that helped his team finish second in the 2004 season, Button will be fired up to impress in front of a sell out British crowd: The British Grand Prix is special for so many reasons. I love racing at Silverstone and will never forget my debut F1 race five years ago when I passed Michael Schumacher on the first lap. It’s incredibly moving to race in front of my home crowd, especially with the sea of Union Jacks down the start-finish straight!"
BMW WilliamsF1 Team boss Sir Frank Williams is also keen to focus on the rest of the season and, in particular, the team’s home Grand Prix at Silverstone: "Last weekend's events were an unfortunate aberation from what has otherwise been an engrossing F1 season. I confidently expect normal service will be resumed at the next few races, and in particular, we are looking forward to a great show at our home race at Silverstone".
Tickets for the 2005 FORMULA 1™ Foster’s British Grand Prix on 8th - 10th July are still available online at silverstone-circuit.co.uk or from the British Grand Prix hotline on 08704 588300.
