motor sports

Silverstone has had more facelifts than any other track on the calendar, yet it's managed to retain its fast and challenging nature. The start of the lap - Copse, Becketts and Stowe - is one of the most challenging pieces of racetrack anywhere in the world. 2010 saw the introduction of the new Arena Complex two thirds of the way through the lap, and a new pit and paddock complex greeted the teams in 2011. But Silverstone will continue to be the high-speed challenge that it always was. Not only are the drivers presented with one of the most technically demanding circuits, they are also forced to contend with the unpredictable weather conditions common to Silverstone's micro-climate. Prevailing winds are a concern at the old airfield and can affect the car's drivability, so must be carefully considered in the set-up process. A traditional track, Silverstone naturally boasts several areas which promote overtaking, principally Vale and Abbey, which will undoubtedly encourage some exciting racing action on Sunday afternoon. The British Grand Prix is a punishing endurance test. The blend of high and slow speed corners, connected by three long straights, creates an uncompromisingly fast circuit, one that inevitably rewards engine power but one which also demands a delicately balanced set-up to cope with the high speed directional changes.