If you’ve decided to attend the British GP this weekend, you’ve made a cracking decision. Not only could we be seeing our dominant Danny Kent win on home soil in Moto3, but the top two in the MotoGP class, Valentino & Jorge, are now level on points. The fact that Rossi is, to many, the ‘symbol’ of the Sport, has 3 wins to his name this year, and hasn’t been on this kind of form in 5 years is something very special indeed. Especially when you consider the MotoGP class now oozes youth, with current World Champion Marc Marquez at 22, getting beaten by the 36 year old Italian throughout most of this season.
This awesome combination of British success, and a tensely close MotoGP Championship, will almost certainly make the weekends atmosphere the best it’s been since MotoGP moved to Silverstone back in 2010.
Take a look at the circuit Map…
Unlike Formula One, which use the ‘Silverstone Wing’, the modern Pit & Paddock building which was finished in 2011, and lies between Club Corner and Abbey, MotoGP use the old Pits. This of course is on the now named ‘National Pits Straight’ which is between Woodcote and Copse. MotoGP did use the ‘Wing’ in 2011 and 2012 but reverted back to the old Paddock in 2013, as getting everything and everyone around that end of the track was a logistical pain in the neck.
‘Where do I watch? I’ve never been!’
If you’re spending the entire weekend at Silverstone, I’d seriously consider watching at the exit of Luffield Corner & Woodcote, perhaps Maggots, and definitely watch a few sessions at Club corner’s Grandstand, if you can find a seat, the atmosphere there is brilliant! For me it’s all about Luffield/Woodcote and Club.
I love to stand at the exit of Luffield, about 150 yards before Woodcote, you see the bikes screaming down into Brooklands, under heavy braking, then flipping over for Luffield, then hard on the power on towards Woodcote, which is a full on corner for bikes, you’re bound to see Marc and Cal go through sideways on more than one occasion! It’s also very interesting to see the difference in riding styles. You’ll see Lorenzo’s effortlessly smooth change of direction here, and Marquez showing of his ridiculously late braking, into Brooklands. Here’s a video I made of the Moto3 Race there.
As for Club Corner, in the stand it’s superb because obviously you’re quite high up and you see the bikes for quite a long time. You can hear them on the Hangar straight before you see them for the first time at Stowe, then breaking hard for the Vale chicane, a left and a right, plenty of overtaking takes place here! Then the long Club corner, with an edge of tire right kink at the apex, this section is quite technical but by no means boring, some riders use the kerb on the inside of club which can unsettle the bike. Take a look at a clip I made there last year, MotoGP Qualifying.
Aside from the racing, you’ll be glad to know that Silverstone is littered with great facilities, places to eat and things to do! Make sure you attend the Day of Champions, and see the worlds best riders on stage auctioning off racing gear almost anything related to the sport! Also If you’re camping at Silverstone’s own Campsite, Woodlands, (like me) then don’t worry about facilities. They have got it covered, from permanent Toilets & Showers, to Cash Points & Places to eat. There’s a stage with entertainment on every evening, phone charging booths, the Petrol Head pub, and much more!
If you want to attend the race and fancy making a real weekend of it, then check out Sam Lowes’s hospitality experience with Pole Position Travel. Meet Sam, get lunch every day, With Beer and Wine being served by Sam’s Mum and Dad! Click Here , and on the PPT website select British GP, VIP Hospitality, Sam’s Place! As I’m typing this, there is only a few left so act fast!
Here’s some Silverstone MotoGP stats:
Circuit Length: 3.67 Miles with 18 Corners
Circuit Lap Record: 2’01:941 | Dani Pedrosa | 2013
Best Pole Lap: 2’00:691 | Marc Marquez | 2013
Highest Top Speed: 204.1 MPH | Andrea Dovizioso | 2014
Most Wins: Jorge Lorenzo, 3 wins, 2010, 2012, 2013.
Enjoy your weekend, my reports will be constant on Twitter, expect many Interviews and Session Reports!
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MotoJimmyP 