10/07/2011
We all know Silverstone is one of the big ones. Home of motorsport, heritage, new facilities, the unpredictable weather – it is one of the memorable fixtures on a congested Formula One calendar.
To think that the British Grand Prix was going to move away from Silverstone a couple of years ago is hard to imagine, given the resplendent sight that is the new grandstand we see today.
But one of those things which make Silverstone the Silverstone it is, are the campers. It is quite an English thing, really. The resolve of the fans camping out on the fields neighbouring the circuit is quite something. A very dogged spirit is clear all around; despite the rain, wind and chill, these fans don’t want to go home! The spirit is second to none here at Silverstone because, despite the wintry temperatures at times this weekend, everyone wants to be a part of it. Everyone wants a slice of the action.
At 7 o’clock this morning, the circuit was teeming with people in their respective colours (much of which were, as expected, the fluorescent peach of McLaren). This country loves its motorsport, and every bite of the F1 cherry is a bite worth taking for these supporters. A healthy bite, a nutritious bite; the sport is ripe and ready for picking.
Personally, I would go as far as saying that Great Britain needs two races - one for England and one for Scotland (’greedy’ I hear you cry!). Without going into the fabric and identity of the British Isles, it is hard to dismiss the enthusiasm for motorsport both sides of the England-Scotland border. Here we are in the heart of England’s motorsport valley, just a stone’s throw from a handful of the grid’s teams so the apetite in these parts is hard to argue with. But, what about north of the border? Scotland has (Di Resta) and has had (Coulthard, Stewart) their fair share of great drivers. Surely, a call for a Scottish Grand Prix would be a powerful call? In the Highlands, they would love it.
If this notion ever came to fruition, then Silverstone would be renamed the English Grand Prix. This, and any talk of devolution and new Formula One races within these shores is for a different conversation entirely, and may be a bit heavy going for those still muching on their cereal this whilst reading this Sunday morning blog. It may also be viewed as a little greedy to consider two races within the British Isles, when the sport is expanding to the new world at rapid speed. Not to mention the fact that France does not currently have a place on the F1 calendar (though that could change in the next few years).
But, it is worth contemplating the fact that should Scotland indeed gain independence in a few years’ time, it could stake its place for its very own Grand Prix, and leave Silverstone with the title the F1 English Grand Prix.
Credit: Lotus Renault GP (www.lotusrenaultgp.com)
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