British Grand Prix

The very first Formula One Grand Prix took place at Silverstone in 1948 on a track marked out with straw bales and large oil drums.

An old London double-decker bus acted as the control tower and the pits were made from scaffolding and canvas.

Today the British Grand Prix is very different.

The Silverstone track is sleek and modern and is globally renowned for always holding an exciting race.

This part of England is the home of British Formula One more than half of the current teams are within an hour's drive of each other at any one time.

Half of the circuit is in Northhamptonshire and the other half is in Buckinghamshire.

It is built on the site of a World War II bomber base, RAF Silverstone which opened in 1943.

The airfield's three runways, in classic WWII triangle format, lie within the outline of the present track.

Over the decades the track has undergone a vast amount of change and by 2003 Silverstone had opened its gates to a vastly improved road infrastructure.

Silverstone was the birthplace of today's FIA Formula One World Championship and, to this day, remains one of the world's most historic and challenging tracks on the globe.

Off track

Take advantage of being an hour away from the vibrant English capital and hire a helicopter to take you to London for the day.

As one of the world's most exciting, cosmopolitan cities there is something in London for everyone.

Start your day with a stroll around the city's sights; Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, London Bridge, Tower of London and Nelson's Column, to name a few.

Alternatively, save time and take a ride on the London Eye and get an aerial view of the city and take everything in at once.

London offers visitors a plethora of restaurants and bars, from quaint little Italian bistros tucked away in the back streets to big-name celebrity chef's signature eateries, there will always be something that appeals.

After dinner and drinks it's only right that visitors head to London's famed West End to take in a theatre show.

No visit to the city would be complete without it.

Formula fun
Eighteen cities, nine months, 26 teams, 11 drivers, but just one winner - this is life in the fast lane.

Australian Grand Prix
The Formula One Australian Grand Prix is frequently presented with the award for best organised event by the FIA, which means that both on and off the track - this is an event not to be missed.

Malaysian Grand Prix
The Malaysian Grand Prix may not have been part of the Formula One circuit for long, but Kuala Lumpur boasts a track worthy of hosting both the F1 grand Prix and FIM Motorcycle Grand Prix and one which really raises the standards for all other circuits.

Bahrain Grand Prix
The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is arguably the biggest sporting occasion in the Middle East.

Spanish Grand Prix
Set in the vibrant Barcelona the Spanish Grand Prix is one of the most exciting races in the F1 circuit.

Turkish Grand Prix
The Istanbul Racing Circuit is located on the Asian side of Istanbul and is just a stone's throw away from the newly constructed Sabiha Gokcen Istanbul Airport.

Monaco Grand Prix
In the world of major sporting events, nothing can compare to the sheer elegance, glamour and excitement that is arguably Formula One's most prestigious race - the Grand Prix of Monaco.

Canadian Grand Prix
With the combination of the fantastic Gilles Villeneuve track and its exceptional nightlife, Montreal has become an annual trip for many motor lovers from all over the world.

French Grand Prix
There is something very special about the French Grand Prix in Magny Cours.

German Grand Prix
Traditionally the German Grand Prix was all about raw horsepower. It was a flat-out blast around a 4.2 mile tree-lined track before it raged into the stadium section that houses the thousands of fans.

Hungarian Grand Prix
The Hungaroring circuit is 19km from the centre of Budapest, alongside the M3 motorway at the border of the village, Mogyoród.

European Grand Prix
Set along the stunning Mediterranean coast in Spain's third largest city, Valencia, the European Grand Prix is expected to be nothing short of phenomenal.

Belgian Grand Prix
The Belgian Grand Prix is favourite track amongst many drivers.

Italian Grand Prix
For passionate Formula One fans the world over, the Italian Grand Prix is one not to be missed. Few stops along the Formula One route can rival that of Italy's celebrated Grand Prix.

Singapore Grand Prix
There is much anticipation about the Singapore Grand Prix. Not only is it the newest addition to the Formula One calendar, but it is Formula One's first ever night race.

Japanese Grand Prix
Because of the exciting and challenging layout of Fuji Speedway Circuit the Japanese Grand Prix is one of the most-loved F1 events of the season.

Chinese Grand Prix
The Chinese Grand Prix circuit is like no other, shaped like a letter or character from the Shang (ancient Chinese alphabet), it combines sweeping curves and long straights leading onto hairpin corners, succeeded in making overtaking opportunities possible.

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