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Previous flying field
It is generally understood that Silverstone functioned as a flying field in the past. Do you realize it was previously a base for the celebrated Wellington aircraft? The area was first utilized in 1943 throughout the Second World War, showcasing five expansive storage buildings, three intersecting airstrips, and a surrounding pathway. Serving initially as a training center for the No 17 Operational Training Unit, it encountered transformation into a race circuit, orchestrated by the RAC within a mere couple of months upon its closure in 1947. The very first Grand Prix took place in 1948. The original airstrips still bisect the racecourse.
The beginning of F1 racing
It’s rather universally accepted that the foremost F1 race was conducted at Silverstone. Nonetheless, were you informed that beyond the borders of the UK, it was publicly called the Grand Prix d’Europe? The median age among the racers was 39, and the roster encompassed a Thai Prince, a Swiss baron, in addition to Johnny Claes, a Belgian jazz vocalist originating from London, who secured the final qualifying position and concluded in 11th place.
Giuseppe Farina, Alfa Romeo 158, Luigi Fagioli, Alfa Romeo 158
Photo by: Motorsport Images
Bends tied to Saints and Monks
The course includes eight turns toward the left and ten towards the right, coupled with several intriguing labels. A couple of bends acquire their designation from the Luffield Priory, which offered lodging to Benedictine monks spanning from 1116 until the close of the 16th century. On the other hand, Becketts and Chapel derive their titles in recognition of Saint Thomas A’Becket from the Middle Ages, whose place of prayer was situated nearby. The third turn within that vicinity gains its identity from the neighboring Maggots Moor, emerging as the most rapid among all, where racers undergo perpendicular G-forces amounting to 4.5 at paces exceeding 180mph.
Allocating the Rewards
Silverstone wasn’t invariably the location for the British Grand Prix. It distributed duties with Aintree between 1955 and 1962, additionally Brands Hatch spanning from 1963 to 1986. The year 1987 signaled its establishment as the favored location, projected to maintain this preference for no less than an additional ten years.
So Remarkable, They Replicated It
Amid the year 2020, during a phase when Covid-19 wrought extensive destruction upon the F1 schedule, Silverstone took on the responsibility of organizing consecutive rounds. This included the British Grand Prix on July 26, succeeded by, a week later, the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix, a commemoration of F1’s groundbreaking occasion occurring on August 2. These occurrences unfolded without the admittance of onlookers, materializing exclusively through the prompt waiver of lockdown stipulations.
Circumstances Involving Hares
The spacious farmland encompassing Silverstone plays host to an abundance of swift hares, although their encounters with F1 vehicles have not consistently resulted in favorable outcomes. In the competition’s opening, Reg Parnell, hailing from Britain, collided with one utilizing his Alfa Romeo. Subsequently, Allan McNish faced a parallel incident within his Toyota during 2002.
Leading Distinction
Giuseppe Farina, the champion of Silverstone’s initial F1 race, obtained a reward valued at £500. While aligning with nearly £21,500 presently, the contemporary reward sum has diminished to nothing! In current practice, teams acquire a portion of the total earnings contingent on their Championship standings at the culmination of the period. In contrast, singular Grand Prix victors are granted solely a trophy and widespread acknowledgment.
