SILVERSTONE ATTAINS LARGEST SPECTATOR DRAW IN 2010 F1 SEASON
2010-07-13 15:11:33 Author: admin Source:
McLaren's Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton joined a host of British motor sport legends and current F1 drivers on Sunday at Silverstone’s post-race Grand Prix Party, the circuit’s traditional finale to the Formula One British Grand Prix. Approximately 20,000 die-hard British motor racing fans decided to stay behind after the race to continue the post-race celebrations, hear from the drivers and watch the World Cup Final at the Grand Prix Party. The World Cup finals, of course, went into extra-time as Spain emerged first time champions beating Netherlands a goal to nil.
All of the drivers were greeted on stage to rapturous applause, but the biggest cheers of the day were saved for the two McLaren drivers, following a British Grand Prix that saw plenty of close racing and overtaking on the circuit’s new 3.66 mile layout.
Speaking about Silverstone and the support from the British crowd, Hamilton said, “It’s been a phenomenal weekend – and this result is a near perfect way to finish it. It’s been the biggest turn out I’ve ever seen here, and the support from all the fans has been incredible. I couldn’t ask for more. You can’t hear them cheering their support in the car, but you can feel it. They give me a huge boost of confidence on every lap.”
Button said, “The first lap was great as I got past six cars. That was a real rush for me in front of the home crowd. You shouldn’t really look at the crowd, but I could see them out of the corner of my eye and they were willing me on.” Speaking about the circuit, he added, “Silverstone really is like no other circuit on the calendar - the fans are not only so passionate, but also incredibly dedicated and knowledgeable. There's always a unique atmosphere here.”
(Michael Schumacher put his JH on a momento to a fan during a pre- race activity)
Fellow F1 drivers British GP winner and Red Bull Racing's Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel, HRT's Karun Chandhok and Sakon Yamamoto and Virgin Racing's Lucas Di Grassi also made appearances on the Grand Prix Party stage, along with RBR team Principal Christian Horner, 1996 World Champion Damon Hill OBE, David Coulthard, Martin Brundle, Derek Warwick, Eddie Jordan and BBC presenter Jake Humphrey.
Silverstone Managing Director Richard Phillips has hailed this year’s event as one of best British Grand Prix in years, attracting near-capacity crowds of 115,000 on Sunday and record-equalling attendances of 85,000 and 105,000 for Practice on Friday and Qualifying on Saturday respectively.
The Silverstone circuit will incorporate a new Pit and Paddock Complex, a new start / finish straight and further improvements to spectator facilities by next year's event.
A number of VIPs and high profile guests were at Silverstone for this year’s Formula 1 British Grand Prix, including HRH The Duke of York, HRH The Duke of Kent, Minister for Sport and Olympics Hugh Robertson, actors Sir Patrick Stewart and Rowan Atkinson, cricketer Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff, Olympic diver Tom Daley, bob skeleton gold winner Amy Williams, athlete Michael Johnson, boxer Amir Khan, golfer Nick Faldo, jockey Frankie Dettori, footballer Michael Essien, tennis player Boris Becker, musicians Eric Clapton, Goldie, Jason Orange and JLS, DJs Chris Moyles and Vernon Kay, socialite Tamara Beckwith and 500 representatives of Britain’s armed forces.
Edited/Images: Silverstone Circuit
