A Brief History of the Track itself.

Silverstone Circuit, located in Northamptonshire, England, stands as one of the world's most celebrated racing venues, renowned for its rich history and pivotal role in motorsport.

Silverstone's unique history stems from its origins as RAF Silverstone, a World War II bomber airfield established in 1943. The circuit's initial layout utilized the triangular pattern of the airfield’s runways, with the track running around the perimeter of the original airstrip.

Motorsport at Silverstone began in 1947, in an informal manner, when a local named Maurice Geoghegan organized a race with friends on the deserted airfield. With no activity at the site, a group of twelve enthusiasts gathered for an impromptu race, marking the circuit’s unofficial debut.

In 1948, the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) leased the airfield, marking the start of Silverstone’s development into a formal racing venue. Initially, races used the airfield’s runways as the course, but by 1949, a dedicated track layout was established, setting the stage for the International Trophy event.

In 1950, Silverstone hosted the first official Formula One Grand Prix, a moment that solidified its reputation in motorsport history. In 1952, the layout was modified, including the repositioning of the start-finish line. By 1955, the now-iconic Grand Prix Circuit layout was completed, remaining largely unchanged until 1975.

With increasing safety concerns, a chicane was added at Woodcote Corner in 1975, and in 1990-1991, a major redesign was undertaken to further improve safety. Following the tragic accidents involving Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger in 1994, Silverstone introduced several safety enhancements, including re-profiled corners like Copse, Stowe, Abbey, and Priory to reduce speeds and expand run-off areas. These changes underscored Silverstone’s commitment to safety and adaptability to modern motorsport standards.

In 1987, Silverstone's shorter National Circuit layout hosted the British Grand Prix for the first time, becoming a popular choice for a variety of racing events. A major redevelopment in 1991 brought modernized pit and paddock facilities while retaining much of the circuit’s original layout.

In 2010, Silverstone saw a transformative upgrade with the opening of the Silverstone Wing, a cutting-edge facility that includes hospitality suites, media centers, and conference spaces, further enhancing Silverstone’s global appeal. In 2011, a new pit complex opened for Formula One teams, and the historic bridge section of the track was decommissioned, reflecting Silverstone’s continuous modernization.

Today, Silverstone remains one of motorsport’s most iconic circuits, hosting major events such as the Formula One British Grand Prix, MotoGP British Grand Prix, and the World Endurance Championship. Its storied past, demanding layout, and state-of-the-art facilities continue to attract fans and drivers from around the world, solidifying Silverstone's place as a beloved landmark in racing history.


Further Information

PICTURE: Origin - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:RAF_Silverstone
PICTURE: Origin - Silverstone Circuit

Wikipedia
Historic Circuits
Racing Circuit Info

Campsites, Posters and Pictures

Track Configurations

Track layouts and Maps

Layout Changes/Length.

From: 1947 - To: Present day
1948 - 3.664 miles / 5.896 km
1949 - 2.889 miles / 4.649 km
1950-1974 - 2.927 miles / 4.710 km
1975-1986 - 2.932 miles / 4.718 km
1987-1990 - 2.969 miles / 4.778 km
1991-1993 - 3.247 miles / 5.226 km
1994-1995 - 3.142 miles / 5.057 km
1996 - 3.152 miles / 5.072 km
1997-2009 - 3.195 miles / 5.141 km
2011-XXXX - 3.660 miles / 5.890 km
GP - 3.660 miles / 5.890 km
Moto GP - 3.666 miles / 5.900 km
Historic GP - 3.661 miles / 5.892 km
National - 1.640 miles / 2.639 km
Long National - 2.024 miles / 3.257 km
International - 1.851 miles / 2.979 km
Stowe - 0.796 miles / 1.281 km
Stowe Long - 1.080 miles / 1.738 km

Track Radio Radio Lemans broadcast - FM 87.7


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How to get there.

The Silverstone race track is located 15 miles south west from Northampton

TRAINS:- The nearest train station to Silverstone is Wolverton Rail Station. Wolverton Station is 10.3 miles away from Silverstone and offers direct train services to London Euston, Birmingham New Street and Northampton Rail Stations. If it is more convenient, visitors could also get a train to Banbury, Milton Keynes or Northampton instead of Wolverton. All of these train stations are less than 13 miles away from the race track.

Shuttle Bus:– During the F1 Grand prix there is a regular bus service from Northamptoon Train Station. At other Megabus also operate a service on race day from Milton Keynes train Station. Both of these services are pay to use

Taxi:- During F1 Week there are restrictions which affect how traffic including taxi get to the circuit. Other events are much quieter so do not usally have these in place. During busier times have taxi drop off in Silverstone Village and then walk to the track.

Driving:- The circuit is located just off the A43 which can be easily reached from the A5, M1 and M40 motorways.

Using the M1

From M1 leave at junction 15A

Head towards Towcester using the A43. After Towcester follow the A43 signposted to Brackley. Until you reach the junction for Silverstone Race track (A413 - Dadford Road), you will enter the dual carriageway adjacent to the circuit. Apart from Formula 1 the car park entrance is usually located at the far end of the dual carriageway on the second roundabout. they will then guide you in to the car park.

Using the M40

From M40 leave at junction 10

Head towards Northampton using the A43. At the second roundabout at Brackley, turn right (3rd exit off roundabout) onto the A422 signposted Buckingham. At this point ignore the signs for Silverstone. Follow the A422 road through Westbury for approximately 4 miles. Turn left into a lane signposted Stowe, Dadford, Silverstone and Stowe Landscape Gardens. At the crossroads with Stowe School turn left towards Dadford. Continue through Dadford village. you will eventually come out at the roundabout for teh car park entrance by club corner.

Using the A5 and/or M1 at Junction 14 (From South)

From the M1 Leave at Junction 14

Follow the A509 through Milton Keynes. Approx 11 roundabouts along the A509 you should reach the A5 Head north on the A5 until you reach the junction for the A422 towards Buckingham. Stay the A422 until you reach the turn off for Stowe Avenue signposted for Chackmore, Stowe and Dadford. Stay on this road driving through Stowe and Dadford eventually you will come out at the round next to Club Corner. take the right and head in to the car park.



Information Links.


Hotel Search.


Visitor Information.

  • General Information
  • Courtesy: Silverstone


    Disabled Access Information.

    Silverstone has several places where there is access the disabled to view the track.
    These are at Luffield, Woodcote, National Pits Straight, Copse, Club A, International Pits Straight.

    Further information can be found on View Area Map

    Further information can be found on Silverstones website Contact details also
    Phone: 0844 3750 740 (Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 5:00pm only)
    Email: disabilityenquiries@silverstone.co.uk
    Address:Disability Bookings, Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Northamptonshire, NN12 8TN.


    Event Mobility Information

    For our large promoted events silverstone use a company that specialise in providing a facility to assist the disabled, elderly and mobility impaired called Event Mobility. They are based in car park 50 which is also Silverstones main disabled car parking area.

    If you would like to book a scooter or a wheelchair for use at our promoted events then please contact them directly or CLICK HERE to find out more.

    NAME ADDRESS CONTACT MAP
    Croft Croft Stores, 6 Stocks Hill, Silverstone, Northants, NN12 8UW +44 13 2785 7751
    Waitrose Waitrose, Water Lane, Towcester. NN12 6HZ +44 13 2735 4994
    Co-operative Food CO-OP, 92 Watling Street East, Towcester, NN12 6BT +44 13 2735 0942
    Tesco Tesco, Old Tiffield Road, Towcester, NN12 6PF +44 84 5677 9676
    Tesco Tesco, Oxford Road, Brackley, NN13 7 +44 12 8074 7400
    Tesco Tesco, 8-10 Market Hill, Buckingham, MK18 1JX +44 84 5026 9437

    NAME ADDRESS CONTACT MAIL
    Silverstone Garage 63 Little London, Silverstone Northants. NN12 8UP +44 13 2765 8000
    IN n OUT Home Ground Barn, Pury Hill Business Park, Towcester, Northants. NN12 7LS +44 13 2731 7322 hello@in-n-out.co.uk
    Ians Autos Unit 3 Borough Court, Borough Road. Brackley, Northants. NN13 7BE +44 12 8084 1393
    JMC AUTOS Moorend Road, Potterspury, NN12 7QG. +44 77 9240 9185 jmcautosmk@gmail.com
    The Garage @ Blakesley Quinbury End, Blakesley, Towcester, Northants NN12 8RF. +44 13 2786 0801

    NAME ADDRESS CONTACT MAP
    Shell Watling Street, TOWCESTER, Northamptonshire, NN12 6HN +44 1327 358072
    BP Brackley Road, TOWCESTER, Northamptonshire, NN12 6TQ +44 1327 323033
    Shell London Road, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, MK18 1AS +44 1280 823539
    Budgens Watling St, Paulerspury, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 7LQ +44 1327 810241
    Shell London Road, NORTHAMPTON, NN4 0JN +44 1604 675071
    Tesco London Rd, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, MK18 1SR +44
    BP Northampton Rd, Brackley, Northamptonshire, NN13 5SZ +44 1280 705451
    BP Stratford Road, BUCKINGHAM, MK18 1NY +44 1280 812452
    BP Buckingham Rd, Deanshanger, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK19 6JU +44 1908 564743
    Esso Ring Road, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, MK18 1SR +44 1280 815129

    NAME DETAILS
    Barley Mow, 53 High Street, Paulerspury, Towcester, NN12 7NA, +44 13 2781 0139 .
    The Barley Mow has been the only village pub in Paulerspury since 1740, and offers good fare from Ciaran’s kitchen in great surroundings. Come and visit us soon.
    Buddies USA, Brackley Road, Towcester, NN12 6TQ, +44 13 2735 4953 .
    Serving top quality produce & as many home made recipes as possible, a small example of this; All our sausages are local and produced to our requirements, our ribs are home smoked by our chefs, our famous chilli is cooked to our original recipe & matured for deep flavour, our famous creamy coleslaw is prepared daily to our 25 year old standard.
    The Fox & Hounds, 44 High Street, Whittlebury. NN12 8XJ, +44 13 2785 8048.
    The Fox & Hounds pub is situated in the village of Whittlebury, Norhamptonshire, within easy reach of Silverstone. We are only ten minutes walk from Gate 5 at the start of Copse. Beer garden to the rear with awning and an outside bar.
    We offer a fine selection of wines and as a ‘free house’ a broad choice of real ales, lagers and spirits
    Green Man Inn, Brackley Hatch, Syresham, NN13 5TX, +44 12 8085 0209 .
    They serve food and they serve beer
    The King’s Head, 2 Abbey Road, Syresham, NN13 5HW, +44 12 8085 0280 .
    This pub is in a picturesque village, about two miles from Silverstone. Offering modern facilities whilst retaining a rustic feel. The hotel pub is of a high standard. The restaurant offers a relaxed dining experience.
    The New Inn, Silver Street, Abthorpe, Towcester, NN12 8QR, +44 13 2785 7306 .
    Excellent pub, serving a good range of cask beers and with a good food menu using many locally sourced ingredients. A little difficult to find but now signposted from the main road.
    The Queens’s Head, Main Street, Buckingham, MK18 5JF, +44 12 8081 3004 .
    Nice village pub in the middle of Chackmore with a reasonable selection of home-cooked fare.
    The Sun Inn, Farrer Close, Whitfield, Brackley, NN13 5TG, +44 12 8085 0232 .
    Serves real ales and home cooked food prepared by the resident chef, The Sun Inn is a traditional English pub with a warm, friendly atmosphere.
    The White Horse, 1 Stocks Hill, Silverstone, NN12 8UW, +44 13 2785 8550.
    The White Horse pub is a 17th Century Coaching Inn steeped in history. Motor Racing is the predominant theme throughout, being only a 10 minute walk from the world famous Silverstone Circuit.
    Murray’s Restaurant, Whittlebury Hall, Whittlebury, NN12 8WP, +44 13 2785 7857 .
    Named after iconic F1 commentator Murray Walker, the two AA rosette restaurant is an intimate fine dining venue serving British and European cuisine while viewing a collection of photographs with F1 celebrities.

    NAME DETAILS
    PREMIER INN. Brackley Hatch, Nr. Brackley, Northamptonshire. NN13 5TX.
    The hotel is situated for Silverstone Race Circuit and is in a great location for exploring Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Warwickshire. Locations such as Banbury, Towcester, Northampton, Stratford-Upon-Avon & Oxford.
    TRAVELODGE. A43, Towcester Bypass, Northamptonshire, NN12 6TQ
    Travelodge's great selection of budget hotels near Silverstone will mean you'll have enough left over to treat yourself to a little something extra as well. What more is there to think about?
    TRAVELODGE. A5 Old Stratford Roundabout, Old Stratford, Milton Keynes, MK19 6AQ,.
    Travelodge's great selection of budget hotels near Silverstone will mean you'll have enough left over to treat yourself to a little something extra as well. What more is there to think about?
    TRAVELODGE. A421 Bypass, Buckingham, MK18 1SH.
    Travelodge's great selection of budget hotels near Silverstone will mean you'll have enough left over to treat yourself to a little something extra as well. What more is there to think about?
    Saracens Head Hotel. 219 Watling Street, Towcester, United Kingdom, NN12 6BX +44 13 2735 0414
    Expect home-from-home comfort, a warm welcome, great hospitality, and full hotel service. Sitting on Watling Street in the old Roman town of Towcester, The Saracen’s Head has been part of life here for over 400 years.
    Silverstone Guest House. Pembury House, 6 Brackley Road, Silverstone. NN12 8UA. +44 13 2785 8743
    Nestled in Silverstone on the old A43 main road, our Guest House / Bed and Breakfast is perfectly located between Silverstone Circuit and the village pub. Ideal for weddings at Whittlebury, a Golf treat or simply a leisurely mid-week break.
    Plum Park. Watling Street, Near Towcester, Northants. NN12 6LG. +44 13 2781 1515
    Plum Park is a privately-owned boutique hotel and event venue set in rolling Northamptonshire countryside, 2 miles south of Towcester, just past the Racecourse, and just over 5 miles from Silverstone, the home of British motorsport.
    BEST WESTERN. A421 Ring Road South, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire. MK18 1RY. +44 80 0393 130
    The Best Western Buckingham Hotel lies within walking distance of the Buckingham town centre, offering convenience and comfort in equal measure. Located on the A421 Buckingham ring road, this is a fantastic hotel near Silverstone motor racing circuit.