This coming race at Silverstone will be an anniversary of some note – or not, it depends. It is 60 years ago that racing commenced at the Northamptonshire site. OK, I realise I am two years ahead of myself as far as F1 goes, but hey, this is about Silverstone; so let’s have two anniversaries one now and another in 2010. 60 years of racing is worthy of a mention at any time and I need little excuse to exploit the chance to be ahead of the game..

Silverstone is the home of the British Grand Prix. At least for the next couple of years. Beyond that, who knows which way the wind will blow?

The Circuit still has places that show its true origins. The track layout in those early days merely reflected the layout of the runways and taxiways of the airfield. And that basic arrangement has stood the test of time. When drivers talk of Silverstone they seem to agree that it provides them all with a proper cerebral challenge. Which shows that the changes made over the years have not been in vain. Some corners, whilst being thrilling to spectators, were simply lethal as cars got faster.

These issues have largely been ironed out with the current configuration and it provides plenty of opportunity to display a touch of bravado without the ‘Do or Die’ approach. Laying out hay bales to funnel traffic and to determine corners and chicanes would probably be frowned upon in these enlightened times, but in those days - they was ‘ard!

The BRDC took over the lease from the original owners of the site, the RAC (Royal Automobile Club) who in their turn had bought the site from the MOD in 1948. Thereupon they did indeed lay out those bales and invited entries for The British Grand Prix. Italy and Maserati took the first two places with Bob Gerard (GB) coming in some considerable seconds after in his ERA.

The years show a bewildering display of Nations and Names. I added up the bits and bobs and produced a whole heap of stats….

Starting with Country

At the top of the heap is dear old UK. 15 victories spread over 9 Drivers; Starting with Peter Collins (Ferrari) and going through to David Coulthard (x2 both with McLaren-Mercedes) by way of Jim Clark (x3 two with Lotus-Climax and one with Lotus-Cosworth), Jackie Stewart (x2 Matra-Cosworth & Tyrell-Cosworth), James Hunt (McLaren-Cosworth), John Watson (McLaren Cosworth), Nigel Mansell (x3 Williams-Honda first and then Williams-Renault), Damon Hill (Williams-Renault) and ummm.. Johnny Herbert (a Benetton-Renault). Quite a list. This is spread over 10 configurations of Constructor/Engine.

It is telling that the next Country on the table is France with 5. Perhaps the more telling when only one name gets a look-in – Alain Prost. Did he have shares in the place? Renault, McLaren-TAG, McLaren-Honda, Ferrari and Williams-Renault all helping the remarkable man to notch-up more victories than all others.

The third place goes to Italy. 4 wins; Alberto Ascari(x2), Giuseppe Farina and Luigi Villoresi, Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Ferrari providing the motive power. The last win by an Italian was way back in 1953 when Ascari took his Ferrari over the line.

Other Countries that feature along the way are - Brazil & Argentina with 3 apiece, Sweden, Germany, Canada & Switzerland each have 2 wins to show and with only the 1 win against their names are Spain, Columbia, USA & Australia.

For the Constructers

Ferrari and McLaren lead the way with 11 wins each; Though perhaps the Red Team pip McLaren to the post simply because McLaren have in their time been through four Engine suppliers (TAG, Honda, Cosworth and Mercedes). Williams in third place with 8 wins, six with Renault and one each with Cosworth and Honda.

A note ought to be taken about the Cosworth name; which, in its own right can account for eight wins under five different Constructors.

Lancia, Maserati, Alfa Romeo are celebrated for the early years but mourned since for the lack of appearance from those worthy teams.

Beyond the GP the Circuit is also a worthy host to BTCC, the FIA GT, British Superbikes, British F3, British GT and part of the Le Mans Series. The Britcar 24 also added to the list of events in 2005. All of the above plus many Club Racing Series ensures that Silverstone will have a presence in Motor Sport for many years to come.

The new plans that the BRDC have produced show an intention to see the circuit is the mainstay of the British Grand Prix; I for one hope that it will prove enough…