Silverstone crowd re-writes history as Lewis claims pole for British Grand Prix Silverstone  confirmed on Saturday (7 July) that British Grand Prix fans have re-written the record books as Lewis mania officially hit the Northamptonshire circuit. Shortly  after  Britain’s  Lewis  Hamilton  wowed  the  home  crowd  by  qualifying  on  Pole Position  for  Sunday’s  British  Grand  Prix,  circuit  bosses  announced  a  record  Saturday crowd  of  80,000,  which  is  incredibly  2,000  higher  than  the  race  day  crowd  in  2006. 78,000  fans  enjoyed  the  Sunday  of  the  British  Grand  Prix  in  2006,  but  the  draw  of championship leader Hamilton has had a dramatic impact on the sport’s passionate fans.

Richard  Phillips,  Managing  Director  of  Silverstone  Circuits  Limited,  commented:  “The crowd for today’s qualifying was higher than last year’s race day – it’s unbelievable. We expected  the  Hamilton  effect  to  have  an  impact  on  this  year’s  crowd,  but  to  get  the equivalent  of  a  race  day  crowd  on  a  Saturday  is  unprecedented  for  the  British  Grand Prix.

“The sun was shining, the grandstands were full and Lewis treated everyone watching to a spectacular qualifying session. The reaction from the fans as he crossed the line was fantastic – I’ve never seen anything like it. If he, and the three other British drivers, are able to produce anything like that again tomorrow, the crowd is in for a real treat.” Phillips  was  also  keen  to  reiterate  the  circuit’s  advice  to  fans  travelling  to  the  British Grand  Prix  on  Sunday,  ”A  combination  of  the  volume  of  fans,  increased  security measures and wet weather contingency plans resulted in some delays for fans getting into the circuit today (Saturday). We have managed to keep the traffic moving and would like to thank the fans, once again, for their patience and understanding.”

“We would, however, ask people coming on Sunday to heed the following advice: - Please  allow  extra  time  for  entry  to  the  circuit  and  be  prepared  for  minor disruptions. - Please do not arrive at the circuit unless you have BOTH 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. This will not entitle you to park at the venue. - 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.”