TRACK LAYOUT: Things to know about the Silverstone circuit
The midpoint of the season sees Formula 1 return to Silverstone where it all began 75 years ago. The British circuit has hosted more F1 races than any other bar the legendary Italian Monza track.
Silverstone has hosted 59 Grands Prix, more World Championship events than any other circuit with the exception of Monza (74). Its layout has remained more or less unchanged throughout the years.
At 5.861 kilometres, it is one of the longest tracks on the calendar, with 18 corners, (10 to the right and 8 to the left). Some of them, such as the Maggotts-Becketts-Chapel complex, involve rapid and high speed changes of direction, which generate very high lateral forces, similar to those at Spa-Francorchamps and Suzuka.
The circuit is in almost year round use with four and two-wheeled racing categories and so it provides good grip right from Friday’s first free practice session, aided by the fact the surface is rated medium-low in terms of abrasiveness.
Despite taking place at the height of summer, the English weather can often be unpredictable with very changeable temperatures and wind and rain suddenly putting in an appearance, turning the tables during the race, as was the case last year.
