Silverstone hails 'fantastic' GP
Tuesday 12th July 2011
The new-look Silverstone has been declared a success after the British Grand Prix attracted record crowds across all three days of the meeting.
A total of 315,000 spectators attended during the course of the weekend. Sunday's race attracted a crowd of 122,000, with 105,000 turning out for qualifying on Saturday and 88,000 fans coming through the turnstiles for Friday practice.
This year's race saw the start-finish line moved to a new location between Club and Abbey corners, with a new £28million pit and paddock complex, the Silverstone Wing, opening in May.
The crowd may have missed out on a home win, but circuit managing director Richard Phillips for one could not have been happier.
"Record crowds, a great race, a fantastic atmosphere and significant praise for the Silverstone Wing, all contributed to one of the best British Grand Prix in recent memory," said Phillips.
"Early feedback from the fans has been exceptional, and the drivers and teams have been full of praise for the new pit and paddock complex.
"It's been a fantastic three days and I have to pay tribute to the fans. We had more spectators at Silverstone for practice on Friday than most circuits get on race day.
"At the end of the race we opened the gates and let fans onto the circuit to enjoy the podium celebrations."
There has been criticism of the new pit complex, however, in particular the decision to locate the Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari garages at the far end of the pit lane away from the grandstands.
In defence, Phillips added: "A huge amount of hard work has gone into getting the Wing ready for this event.
"It's been a phenomenal effort from the team here at Silverstone.
"We've had one or two teething problems, and we'll continue to look at areas that can be improved.
"However, we are all extremely proud of what has been achieved and the fact we have delivered another fantastic British Grand Prix."
Credit: ESPN STAR (www.espnstar.com)
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