British GP

• Track features

  Having debuted on the F1 calendar in 1950, Silverstone is expectedly old school, in the very best of ways. The circuit is wide and free-flowing, with plenty of opportunity for drivers to put their foot down, and features several abrupt changes of direction that get the neck working.

  None more so than during the famed Maggots, Becketts and Chapel sequence, which takes a driver quickly left, swiftly right and sharply left, navigating roughly 2 lateral G’s, before seeing them fire down the Hangar Straight at around 200 km/h. If a driver can find the right lines through this section of circuit, and resist the urge to hit the brakes, then it’s a great momentum builder and can be used to line up a move going into Stowe, which immediately proceeds the Hangar Straight.

  Another overtaking opportunity can also be found at Abbey. This is taken flat-out following the circuit’s main straight, which is a slightly slower straight than Hangar, but not by much.

• What's it like in England?

  So, we’ve already touched upon our erratic weather conditions, but we promise you that there’s more to Britain than this alone. If you’re travelling from outside of England for the race, then we’d suggest a pit-stop in London. It is a little out of the way, but we assure you, it’s worth the effort. There’s very little you can’t see or do in the capital.

  If you’re set on sticking to Northamptonshire alone, then there are some fantastic walks and hikes, with various reservoirs, farmland, forests and rolling hills to explore. Pack yourself a picnic and make a day of it.

  In regard to food, take your pick. You could go ultra-traditional with beer-battered fish and chips, afternoon tea and a Sunday roast, or you could try one of the many cuisines that have crept into British culture, such as Chinese, Indian, or Italian.

• F1 icebreaker

  Stuck for conversation with your F1-loving friends? Spark up a discussion with our F1 icebreaker…

  Lewis Hamilton won the 2008 British Grand Prix for McLaren by a mammoth 68 seconds.