British F1 GP Attracts Record Crowds

A record 315,000-strong crowd attended the F1 Santander British Grand Prix at Silverstone over the three days of racing.
 
Of that figure, more than 22,000 fans stayed behind after the F1 race on Sunday to continue the post-race celebrations and hear from the drivers at the Grand Prix Party, which was free to all ticket holders.
 
Silverstone managing director Richard Phillips hailed this year’s event as one of biggest and best British Grand Prix in years, attracting record crowds on all three days of the circuit’s flagship event.

A record, sell-out crowd of 122,000 were at Silverstone for the big race on Sunday, with attendances of 88,000 and 105,000 for Practice on Friday and Qualifying on Saturday respectively.
 
Speaking after the event, Phillips said, ‘Record crowds, a great race, a fantastic atmosphere and significant praise for the Silverstone Wing, all contributed to one of the best British Grand Prix in recent memory. Early feedback from the fans has been exceptional and the drivers and teams have been full of praise for the new pit and paddock complex.

‘It’s been a fantastic three days and I have to pay tribute to the fans. We had more spectators at Silverstone for Practice on Friday than most circuits get on race day. They really are fantastic. At the end of the race we opened the gates and let fans onto the circuit to enjoy the podium celebrations. The atmosphere was amazing.
 
‘A huge amount of hard work has gone into getting The Wing ready for this event. It’s been a phenomenal effort from the team here at Silverstone. We’ve had one or two teething problems, and we’ll continue to look at areas that can be improved, however, we are all extremely proud of what has been achieved and the fact that we have delivered another fantastic British Grand Prix.’
 
Tickets for next year’s F1 Santander British Grand Prix went on sale over the weekend and a large number of fans have already purchased tickets to secure their favourite position for 2012.