1. The scene of Renault’s F1 debut

 

The 1977 British Grand Prix was a landmark event. It was the first race to feature a turbocharged Formula 1 car. Renault’s bold decision to enter Grand Prix racing was made easier by the governing body’s decision to create an equivalency formula for 1.5-litre turbos to race against 3-litre normally-aspirated units.
The Renault twin-turbo V6 was housed in an Alpine-originated chassis designed by André de Cortanze. The neat and compact RS01 lined-up at Silverstone in the hands of Jean-Pierre Jabouille and despite not making the finish, within two years, a turbocharged Renault had triumphed in Formula 1.

 


2. A long and unique history

 

Silverstone was originally a royal hunting ground that was home to Luffield Priory and a chapel dedicated to St Thomas à Becket — which gives us the history behind many of the track’s corner names. The flat, high plateau became a perfect location to build runways and the land was acquired by the Air Ministry for the war.
A trial race took place in 1947 when locals illegally raced on the perimeter roads. It was christened the Mutton Grand Prix after one of the drivers hit a sheep. Within two years King George VI was in attendance for the first-ever round of the Formula 1 World Championship in May 1950.

 


3. High-speeds and great racing

 

The perimeter roads of RAF Silverstone have evolved over the seven and a bit decades, to become one of the fastest circuits on the F1 calendar. From Luffield to Club, drivers tap their brakes just twice in the 40-second run through Copse, Maggotts, Becketts and Stowe.
With cornering speeds nudging 185mph, the G-forces offer an incredible thrill ride. The 5.89km track also offers plenty of overtaking opportunities — from the Loop and the subsequent DRS zone down the Wellington Straight into Brooklands.

 


4. It’s our home race

 

If you take the A43, it’s only 24 miles from Alpine’s Enstone headquarters to the gates of Silverstone (and 371 miles via the channel tunnel from Viry-Châtillon). As the third race in three consecutive race weekends, it offers some respite for our crew who have been flying to Spain and Austria.
It’s the home race for seven of the ten teams, but long gone are the days when drivers such as Graham Hill or Jim Clark would reside at the Green Man pub on the A43, or stop off at the White Hart in Silverstone village for a pint and a sandwich at lunchtime…

 


5. Plenty of entertainment for the fans

 

The British GP fan base is one of the most passionate and knowledgeable in the sport. Last year over 480,000 attended in total with 60,000 based in the campsites. Whether it’s wet or dry, the Silverstone faithful come out in force and have plenty of entertainment to enjoy across the three days.
Whether it’s seeing Pierre and Esteban on the main stage in the Fan Zone, watching the flypast of the Red Arrows or partying to the evening concerts — which this year includes Kings of Leon, Stormzy, Pete Tong and Rudimental — everyone agrees, the British Grand Prix is one of the highlights of the year.