Silverstone Circuit
Discussion
Is it just me or is Silverstone a boring flat track?
Went to the BTCC yesterday at Silverstone for the first time, a very disappointing track.
The grandstands were a long way from the action made worse by the excessive run off areas, both contributed to very detached viewing experience.
The pit straight had no screens so that explained why there was nobody in the grandstand.
Would not contemplate watching F1 there especially at the prices charged. Recently went to F1 at Spa, now that's a proper track!
Went to the BTCC yesterday at Silverstone for the first time, a very disappointing track.
The grandstands were a long way from the action made worse by the excessive run off areas, both contributed to very detached viewing experience.
The pit straight had no screens so that explained why there was nobody in the grandstand.
Would not contemplate watching F1 there especially at the prices charged. Recently went to F1 at Spa, now that's a proper track!
The National track is a bit crap but the full circuit is great IMHO, even in something like a slow Caterham, especially the historic circuit which turns the Abbey chicane into a nice left hand sweeper.
We lost Bridge corner (which was epic) when the circuit was revised but the new section does add to the track overall.
A lot of the drivers were complaining on the wavey-bus on Sunday about being on the National track, partly because it's a bit boring but also because it's so short that it's repetitive and makes it difficult to pass so becomes a bash-fest.
We lost Bridge corner (which was epic) when the circuit was revised but the new section does add to the track overall.
A lot of the drivers were complaining on the wavey-bus on Sunday about being on the National track, partly because it's a bit boring but also because it's so short that it's repetitive and makes it difficult to pass so becomes a bash-fest.
The Wookie said:
The National track is a bit crap but the full circuit is great IMHO, even in something like a slow Caterham, especially the historic circuit which turns the Abbey chicane into a nice left hand sweeper.
We lost Bridge corner (which was epic) when the circuit was revised but the new section does add to the track overall.
A lot of the drivers were complaining on the wavey-bus on Sunday about being on the National track, partly because it's a bit boring but also because it's so short that it's repetitive and makes it difficult to pass so becomes a bash-fest.
I've always wondered why BTCC uses the National Circuit, is it just BTCC not wanting to pay for the full circuit hire?We lost Bridge corner (which was epic) when the circuit was revised but the new section does add to the track overall.
A lot of the drivers were complaining on the wavey-bus on Sunday about being on the National track, partly because it's a bit boring but also because it's so short that it's repetitive and makes it difficult to pass so becomes a bash-fest.
jurbie said:
I've always wondered why BTCC uses the National Circuit, is it just BTCC not wanting to pay for the full circuit hire?
I've heard of a couple of possible explanations, I doubt it would be the circuit hire as there are plenty of club meets on it but it could be that it would be impractical for ITV to cover the full circuit with the same setup that they use for the rest of the yearThe Wookie said:
jurbie said:
I've always wondered why BTCC uses the National Circuit, is it just BTCC not wanting to pay for the full circuit hire?
I've heard of a couple of possible explanations, I doubt it would be the circuit hire as there are plenty of club meets on it but it could be that it would be impractical for ITV to cover the full circuit with the same setup that they use for the rest of the year
tty place that it is these days. Used to love going to Silverstone but hate it now. 
MG CHRIS said:
Think gow has said on the btcc forum when this question gets asked its due to the size of the track full layout meaning you have about 8 laps to keep everything in schedule, also the new pit section isn't big enough to hold the btcc and support paddock and a few other reason. Cost I don't think was one of them.
Makes sense in terms of the race length, although does open up the possibility of trying out a different format or having a one-off longer race during the season.With the paddock surely they could just use the old pits on the new track
The Wookie said:
MG CHRIS said:
Think gow has said on the btcc forum when this question gets asked its due to the size of the track full layout meaning you have about 8 laps to keep everything in schedule, also the new pit section isn't big enough to hold the btcc and support paddock and a few other reason. Cost I don't think was one of them.
Makes sense in terms of the race length, although does open up the possibility of trying out a different format or having a one-off longer race during the season.With the paddock surely they could just use the old pits on the new track
The main reason for BTCC being on the National Circuit is for spectators. 22 laps , rather than an 8-10 lapper with long gaps.
To the OP - It is my least favourite track too. Unfortunately, F1 grade circuits rarely have character (Spa, Monza and Monaco excepted). For spectating at BTCC, I'd pick any of the others over Silverstone.
For driving on a track day......Cadwell Park or Donington are more fun for road cars. Silverstone GP is great for supercars, Radicals etc.
The only place to spectate is at Luffield for BTCC IMHO.
I spent the whole weekend at Motogp at the ambulance gate on the exit of Woodcote and lost count of the number of people who'd bought seats in the pits grandstand and asked me why there wasn't a screen opposite them on the main straight. And yes, that stand is so far removed from the action. Boring in the extreme if you're sitting there.
I spent the whole weekend at Motogp at the ambulance gate on the exit of Woodcote and lost count of the number of people who'd bought seats in the pits grandstand and asked me why there wasn't a screen opposite them on the main straight. And yes, that stand is so far removed from the action. Boring in the extreme if you're sitting there.
I spend 4 days there every year at the Classic and whilst the sense of heritage and occasion is great the fact remains that it has become a simply rubbish circuit at which to watch racing cars . The only place I enjoy now is Farm/ Village and Luffield is so - so.
I have seen the circuit change immensely since I first went in 1971 - and , not rose tinted either , but the original circuit was simple and brilliant , with Woodcote and Club being amazing places to watch a GP car at full song . You stood so much closer to the track, which may have been dangerous but was pretty spine tingling. As was Bridge - few better places to sense the sheer violent speed and noise of an F1 car , the differences in car and the sheer artistry of an Alonso or a Hamilton .
But now..well it sure isn't Cadwell is it?
I have seen the circuit change immensely since I first went in 1971 - and , not rose tinted either , but the original circuit was simple and brilliant , with Woodcote and Club being amazing places to watch a GP car at full song . You stood so much closer to the track, which may have been dangerous but was pretty spine tingling. As was Bridge - few better places to sense the sheer violent speed and noise of an F1 car , the differences in car and the sheer artistry of an Alonso or a Hamilton .
But now..well it sure isn't Cadwell is it?
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