...following adverse weather conditions.

Most of the UK has been  affected by torrential rain in recent weeks and unfortunately Northamptonshire is no exception. The weather conditions have had an impact on towns and events throughout the country and, due to the unpredictable and evolving forecast, Silverstone  has  activated  a  series  of  contingency  plans  to  minimise  the  disruption  for fans heading to the British Grand Prix this weekend (6-8 July).

During the build up to the event Silverstone has been working closely with the Highways Agency,  Police  and  other  agencies,  to  monitor  the  conditions  and  prepare  for  any weather  related  eventualities  that  could  have  an  impact  on  the  circuit’s  infrastructure, including the car parks and traffic management system.

As  a  result  of  the  recent weather Silverstone has drafted in additional resource in the way  of  manpower  and  temporary  roadways  to  strengthen  its  existing  car  parking facilities, including the circuit’s own hard standing car parks which can accommodate up to 10,000 vehicles on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. In addition to bolstering its own facilities, circuit bosses are also working with the police and  other  agencies  to  monitor  the  situation  with  local  campsites,  which  are  privately owned and operated independently. Richard  Phillips, 

Managing  Director  of  Silverstone  Circuits  Limited,  commented,

 “The recent weather conditions have affected the entire country. Whole sections of the UK are under  water;  Wimbledon  looks  set  to  go  into  a  third  week;  and  the  Royal  Show  at Stoneleigh Park has been forced to finish a day early. We’ve been keeping a close eye on  the  weather  and  have  now  actioned  a  number  of  contingency  plans  to  minimise disruption to the fans and ensure that the customer experience is not compromised.”

Circuit  bosses  are  also  appealing  for  patience  and  co-operation  from  race-goers,  and have passed on the following advice for anyone heading to the Northamptonshire circuit this weekend: -

Please do not arrive on site unless you have a car park pass and an event ticket.

Spectators will not be able to park at the circuit with a Park and Ride pass. If you have a Park and Ride Pass it is only valid for the Park and Ride service. 

Please allow extra time for entry to the circuit and be prepared for minor disruptions. - For traffic and weather updates, as well as event news, please tune into Silverstone Radio which is broadcast on 87.7 FM - 24 hours a day from 10:00hrs Thursday to 20:00hrs on Sunday.

Please  use  Public  Transport  where  possible  –  Megabus  are  operating  a  coach service   from   Milton   Keynes   Central   train   station;   Stagecoach   a   service   from Northampton train station - for further information visit www.silverstone.co.uk./php/rm_britishGP_getToSilver.php

If feasible, please share a car with friends/neighbours who may be travelling from the same area. - If  camping,  please  check  with  your  campsite  operator  as  they  may  have  specific instructions in light of the recent rainfall.

Phillips added, “The facilities at Silverstone have improved beyond recognition in recent years.  Our  vastly  improved  road  infrastructure,  British  Grand  Prix  traffic  management system and hard standing car parks have seen Silverstone become one of the easiest F1  circuits  in  the  world  to  get  in  and  out  of.  The  enjoyment  of  our  spectators  is  of paramount importance and we are doing everything possible to minimise the effect of the current weather conditions. “We have contacted the majority of ticket holders, advising them of the current situation, and would like to thank them in advance for their co-operation ahead of what looks set to be one of the most exciting British Grand Prix in recent years.”