The Rossi/Crutchlow effectBritish Grand Prix ticket sales spike after Assen
The unquestionable lure of Valentino Rossi was evident at Silverstone last week, after the seven-time MotoGP World Champions victory in Assen resulted in a significant spike in ticket sales for next months Hertz British Grand Prix (30 August01 September).
With just a handful of points separating the top riders, 2013 has been one of the most open MotoGP seasons in recent years. Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, believes this, combined with Rossis return to form and British rider Cal Crutchlows continued success, to be the reason behind the increased interest ahead of Britains flagship motorcycle racing event.
Phillips commented: Ticket sales for the MotoGP British Grand Prix are going very well this year, which is down to a number of factors. Its been a fantastic start to the season, with multiple winners, including Rossi back on a Yamaha, rookie sensation Marc Marquez becoming the youngest ever rider to win in MotoGP, and Lorenzo and Pedrosa swapping places at the top of the championship. Cal has also had a sensational year, securing three podiums and becoming the first British rider to claim a Pole Position in over a decade.
Bradley Smith is also going really well in his debut MotoGP season, while in Scott Redding we have a Brit leading the Moto2 World Championship. All of this, combined with the great experience fans had at Silverstone last year, has seen a real uplift in demand for tickets. As most of our reserved seating areas are now sold out weve had to release more reserved seating in Becketts, and our Family tickets have also been extremely popular again this year.
Shortly after his podium in Assen, Cal Crutchlow flew to Silverstone for the FORMULA 1 SANTANDER BRITISH GRAND PRIX, where he met up with fellow Brit and MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS driver Lewis Hamilton.
The British Grand Prix was my first experience of F1 and I was blown away; I loved it, said Crutchlow. Its very impressive. Theres a real buzz around the Paddock and on the Grid. It was good to meet Lewis againwe caught up before the raceand it was great to jump into his car in the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS garage. Id love to have a go at driving an F1 car in the future, but Im not sure they trust us MotoGP riders; they think were a bit mad.
Speaking about Assen and looking ahead to his home race, Crutchlow added: It was great to get Pole in Assen last weekend; it shows what we are capable of. I honestly think I had a great opportunity to win the race, but it wasnt meant to be and Im happy to have finished on the podium for the third time in the last four races. I was pleased for Rossi though; hes a true legend and its good to see him back on the top stepas long as he doesnt beat me too often. The team is constantly improving, so who knows by the time we get to Silverstone. Its not that far away now and Id love to win my home race.
To book tickets to the 2013 Hertz British Grand Prix, visit www.silverstone.co.uk or call 0844 3728 300
