It was with some relief that the British Grand Prix was included last year after it had been provisionally left off the calendar by Bernie Ecclestone who had openly criticised the circuit's infrastructure and its owners the BRDC.

Silverstone held the first ever Formula One Grand Prix in 1950 and contains some of the best corners in Formula One. Copse, Becketts and Bridge are among the best in the world, whilst Stowe is a challenge.

Michael Schumacher broke his leg at Stowe in 1999 and as a result the most open championship for years opened up. Silverstone is constantly changing but never loses its character, but it faces major redevelopments to keep its worthy place on the grand prix calendar.

Renovations in the next few years could see the end of Club corner, the abbey chicane, and the awesome Bridge corner, with a new layout and pit complex. However the plans are still being discussed, but the prospect of building houses near to a regularly used race track beggars belief.

Teams tend to run a medium level of downforce to keep the cars stable through the corners, but nonetheless speeds remain high. Reliability is also a major factor here due to the large amount of open throttle periods down the straights.

Look out for hoards of Jenson Button fans here, the British fans are barmy about the young Brit, and a win here could see repeats of the mass track invasions seen in the days of Nigel Mansell.

Please remember to check back after every Grand Prix to read our in-depth race reports!

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