Silverstone: ‘Unprecedented’ tickets sales a good sign
December 9, 2009 by Negative Camber
Filed under Prime & Option, Top Story
The Times has argued, rightfully so, that ticket sales will be critical for the British Grand Prix to survive. Having just announced a new 17-year deal with Formula One Management, the BRDC is celebrating the the British Grand Prix’s permanence on the calendar and at Silverstone Circuit.
There is no question that the British fans were the shining moment of 2009 with an estimated 300,000 people attending the race weekend. In a weak economy that would be tremendous. In a horrible economy, like the one we currently enjoy, this is astounding. There were petitions, rally calls and full frontal attacks by the rabid fans to get the grand prix to remain in the United Kingdom. The mission, it would seem, was successful with both FOM’s Bernie Ecclestone and the BRDC’s Damon Hill quietly suggesting a victory in negotiations of sorts.
While I agree with the Times that tickets sales are critical I also have tremendous faith int he British public in doing their part in supporting the race. Why? Reuters said:
Organisers said in a statement that they had sold just under 6,500 tickets, worth more than £1.2 million, for the July 11 race in the space of 24 hours.
That’s a testament that the race deserves to be in Britian and the British fans are some of the most loyal and ardent fans of F1 in the world. Period. End of story.
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Absolutely… when it rains, they are there. When it blows, they are there, when it is sunny – heaven help anyone not there by 6am.
LOL. Amen. You have to admire the Brits for their love and passion for grand prix racing. No wonder they’ve won the title two years running. :)
If you lived (as I did for decades) there all winter long, when from late September you get up in the damp, dark and come home from work in the damp, dark… the joy of being outside in “summer”, sitting on a grassy knoll (no, not that one) watching an old aerodrome, with potholes, as smelly (deliciously smelly) cars whiz-bang around… well, you have to live in the UK to understand the joy of it all. How high (latitude) is Silverstone? Think Hudson Bay Canada!
Hudson Bay, Canada latitude? Well, then, I expect to see an episode of Ice Road Truckers driving around the track then. :P
Does the UK have sunshine?
yes indeed; Silverstone is a classic track with classic facilities. People may complain about the access and the quality of the stands, paddock, etc but if I have to decide between Yas Marina circuit and Silverstone in a blink would choose the British venue. It’s about racing, not about how the cars looks with their sorroundings. Mr.E should bring a lot more classic tracks from Europe and the Americas….I dont know exactly why but racing is more exciting there
I agree!!