For Immediate Release
24 June 2008
Silverstone announces record breaking sell-out
for all three days of the British Grand Prix
Silverstone Circuits Limited has today announced that the 2008 FORMULA 1 SANTANDER BRITISH GRAND PRIX is a complete sell out. Tickets for all three days of the event, taking place at the famous Northamptonshire circuit on 4-6 July, have sold out in advance, marking a first in Silverstone's history and guaranteeing unprecedented levels of support for British drivers Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and David Coulthard at their home race.
Jenson Button, David Coulthard and Lewis Hamilton (l to r) can look forward to sell-out crowds
on all three days of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone
The British Grand Prix is one of the highlights of the UK sporting calendar and always attracts large crowds. However, with Silverstone expecting capacity crowds of 65,000 for practice on Friday, 85,000 for qualifying on Saturday and 90,000 for the big race on Sunday, record crowd figures for this year's event are assured.
Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, has been overwhelmed by the support of the British fans. “The demand for tickets has been incredible. Only three weeks ago we announced that race day had sold out - now practice and qualifying have sold out too. We will be at full capacity over all three days with a record combined crowd figure of 240,000. The atmosphere is going to be amazing”, said Phillips.
“I have said it before, but we really do have the best fans in the world. They are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the sport, and will get right behind the three British drivers - Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and David Coulthard. It's going to be a fantastic event.”
Silverstone has once again capped its crowd levels to ensure the fans get the best out of their British Grand Prix experience. Phillips added, “We have managed to slightly increase our capacity this year by adding extra grandstand seats and terracing, but it is important we don't compromise the comfort levels and viewing experience for the fans. Fans attending on the Friday also have an option to sit in any grandstand, so we have to take attendance levels on each day into account.
“This news of the sell-out may disappoint any fans who were leaving it until the last minute to get their tickets, but demand has been exceptionally high. We will be going on sale for the 2009 FORMULA 1 SANTANDER BRITISH GRAND PRIX straight after this year's event, so from Monday 7 July fans will be able to visit the Silverstone website - www.Silverstone.co.uk - for details of next year's tickets, including an opportunity to make the most of discount offers during an early booking period.”
For further information on the 2008 FORMULA 1 SANTANDER BRITISH GRAND PRIX visit www.silverstone.co.uk.
-Ends-
Notes to Editors
Images available on request.
Silverstone Circuits Limited is the operator and promoter of Silverstone circuit and a member of the BRDC Group of Companies
Silverstone is the host of the 2008 FORMULA 1 SANTANDER BRITISH GRAND PRIX and is recognised as the Home of British Motor Racing.
Silverstone stages some of the largest international and domestic motorsport series in the world, including the Silverstone Classic and rounds of the British Touring Car Championship, FIA GT Championship, British Superbike Championship and Le Mans Endurance Series.
Silverstone offers a variety of event and corporate facilities, including driving experiences, track days, hospitality opportunities and the Silverstone Motorsport Academy - the UK's leading race tuition and driver coaching centre.
Silverstone was the venue for the first ever British Grand Prix in 1948, the first ever Formula One World Championship Grand Prix in 1950, and has been the only circuit to stage the FORMULA 1 British Grand Prix since 1986.
Silverstone remains one of the world's most recognisable racing venues.
