Google+ Jack Leslie F1: 2015 British Grand Prix Preview

29 June 2015

2015 British Grand Prix Preview

The ninth round of the 2015 Formula 1 season takes place at the home of British motorsport, Silverstone. 
© Octane Photographic
The challenging track hosts the 66th British Grand Prix and make its 51st appearance on the F1 calendar. The race follows an intriguing Austrian Grand Prix and in-season test at the Red Bull Ring. 


The circuit is a favourite amongst fans, teams and drivers. The flowing and quick layout has changed considerably since it hosted the first ever Formula 1 race back in 1950, the sport’s inaugural season. 

However, its charm, fast pace and history have remained throughout the numerous changes over the last 65 years. 122,000 people showed up for last year’s race, making up one of the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable crowds of the season. 
© Octane Photographic

It is the home race for most of the F1 grid, with the track being located close to eight of the 10 team’s headquarters. This makes it convenient to transport updates and new parts to Silverstone, and also means those who work hard behind the scenes get a chance to watch the race from trackside. 

The new infield loop debuted in 2010, adding more time to the lap. However, it does provide a few good overtaking opportunities. The striking Silverstone Wing was first used by F1 in 2011, moving the start/finish straight from before Copse to just prior to the new quick right-hander of Abbey. 

A lap of the 3.660 mile track starts on the pit straight, with pit lane to the right. The fast right-hander of Abbey is followed by Turn 2, a tricky flat-out left. A short straight leads onto the third corner, named Village. This is a good spot to make a move, particularly on the first lap or after a restart. 

The slow right-hander is swiftly followed by another low-speed hairpin, this time the left-hander of The Loop. The quick left-hand kink of Aintree leads onto the Wellington Straight, which is where the first DRS zone will be positioned. Turn 6 (Brooklands) is a challenging left-hander and is another strong overtaking opportunity. 
© Octane Photographic

The long right-hand hairpin of Luffield is next up and is particularly tough in wet conditions. Woodcote is relatively straight-forward. It is a flat-out right-hand kink and leads onto the old pit straight, before the formidable Turn 9 – Copse. The iconic corner is a quick right-hander, with drivers often using as much kerb as possible on the exit. 

Another historic complex of turns follows, with the sweeping Maggotts/Becketts/Chapel section. The challenging left-right-left-right-left leads onto the Hangar Straight. This is where the second DRS zone will be. 

Stowe follows and can often be problematic, as it is easy to make a mistake through the medium-speed right-hander. A good exit can help a driver to set up an overtake into the next corner, which is Vale. Turn 16 requires a car that changes direction quickly and has strong stability under braking. 

The tight left-hander is followed by the double-apex right-hander that makes up Turns 17 and 18. Carrying as much speed as possible through the final two corners is important for the run down the pit straight. The lap concludes shortly after the exit of the final turn. The pit entry sees drivers go straight on at Vale, cutting out the final part of the lap. The exit feeds cars back onto the circuit at Turn 2. 

The track requires a car that is aerodynamically stable and is unwavering in changes of direction. It needs to be responsive, due to the fast corners, and have a strong braking system, although the brakes will not be punished too hard. The medium and hard tyre compounds will be taken to Silverstone by Pirelli, due to the bumpy, abrasive track surface and demanding corners. 
© Octane Photographic

Jim Clark and Alain Prost share the top spot on the British Grand Prix victory table, with five wins each. Nigel Mansell is next up on four, while Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton are the only drivers on the current grid to have triumphed at Silverstone multiple times (twice). Ferrari is the most successful constructor with 15 wins, one ahead of McLaren. 

The Woking-based outfit will definitely not add to its tally of triumphs this weekend. Well, if it does, it will be one of the F1’s greatest ever turnaround. The MP4-30 is not only slow and down on power, but the car has struggled with unreliability throughout the season so far. Mercedes continues to lead the way in 2015, but Ferrari is not far behind and Williams are chasing the two front-runners down. 

Red Bull Racing’s troublesome RB11 will be better suited to Silverstone, while Lotus will be hoping to have both cars in the points after showing good speed at the last few rounds. Toro Rosso, Sauber and Force India will all be in the midfield mix, with McLaren just about hanging on. Manor looks set to bring its first upgrade of the season to the British Grand Prix, in a bid to make more progress. 

It will once again be the home race for three F1 drivers. Championship leader Lewis Hamilton, McLaren’s Jenson Button and Manor’s Will Stevens will all be hoping to put in good performances on home soil. 
© Formula1.com

British Grand Prix Fact File: 

Location: Silverstone, UK 
Track length: 3.660 miles 
Direction: Clockwise 
Turns: 18 
Laps: 52 
First race: 1950 
Lap record: Mark Webber, Red Bull Racing, 2013, 1:33.401 
Tyre compounds: Hard and medium 
2014 winner: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 
2014 pole position: Nico Rosberg, Mercedes, 1:35.766 
2014 fastest lap: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 1:37.176 
Live on: Sky Sports F1 and BBC

No comments: