Now that the future of Silverstone has been secured for the next five
years, we thought we’d take this opportunity to look back at how the
track has changed since 1948.

To do that, we’ve created an animation to show all of the many
changes that Silverstone has undergone since racing began on the venue,
explained what the key changes were and listed our top five Silverstone
Formula One moments.

https://www.leasingoptions.co.uk/news/blog/the-evolution-of-silverstone/5956

1948: The First Grand Prix

The first Grand Prix at Silverstone took place in 1948, but the
course was somewhat different and more terrifying than it is today.

The course used both of the runways left over from Silverstone’s days
as an airbase. The course itself was marked out with oil barrels and
straw bales, and the only thing protecting spectators was a rope.

The layout of the track meant that at one point the drivers found
themselves hurtling towards each other at top speed. To ‘help,’ canvas
screens were erected so the drivers were unable to see each other as
they flew towards each other at top speeds.

1949-1951: Perimeter Roads

The circuit was altered to use the airport’s perimeter roads as it was a much safer option.

Silverstone also hosted the first F1 World Championship in 1950. The
victor was Dr Giuseppe Farina for Alfa Romeo, a win witnessed by the
Queen. This was the only time a reigning monarch has attended a British
motor event.

1952-1954: Pit Relocation

The pits were then relocated in 1952. This configuration was used by Grand Prix motorcycle racing through to 1986.

1975-1986: New Chicane Added

A new chicane was added to the track in time for the 1975 Grand Prix in order to slow cars through Woodcote corner.

1987-1990: Bridge In – Woodcote Out

In 87 the Bridge chicane was introduced to further reduce speeds into
Woodcote and therefore the original layout of Woodcote returned.

1991-1993: Major Redesign

Silverstone saw some significant changes between 91-93. Copse radius
was increased; Maggots and Becketts were given esses; Vale was
introduced in between Stowe and Club; there was an elevation adjustment
beyond Abbey and finally a big change to the final sector, which saw a
right turn at Bridge and the introduction of Priory, Brooklands and
Luffield corners.

1994-1995: Further Safety Improvements Made

Following the deaths of Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna, the
world of motor racing was increasingly concerned with safety. This led
to an increased run-off at Copse as well as it and Stowe becoming
tighter.

To further improve the safety of the track, a chicane was added to
Abbey, Vale was straightened into a tighter Club left apex, Priory was
moved closer to Bridge and the Pit Lane was also rerouted behind a wall.

1996: The Stowe Fast Sweep

In 96 Stowe was re-profiled to today’s configuration, giving the corner a fast sweep.

1997-1999: Bringing Back The Pace

Over the next few years, Copse, Priory, Brooklands and Luffield were redesigned, resulting in a faster track.

2000-2003: Reducing Pit Lane – Part 1

The pit lane entry was straightened during this period to minimize
the time it took for drivers to get from the circuit to the pits.

2004-2009: Reducing Pit Lane – Part 2

Once the entry to the pits had been altered, the track’s Pit exit was
reduced, again to allow drivers to re-join the race quicker.

2010: New Infield “Arena” Created

The new course was completed, to be unveiled in time for the 2011
Grand Prix. The Circuit introduced new corners after Abbey, Farm,
Village, The Loop and Aintree would all need to be taken before arriving
back at Brooklands.

2011: Start/Finish Relocated

In 2011, the start/finish straight was moved from between Woodcote and Copse to between Club and Abbey.

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