Formula 1 heads to Great Britain this weekend for one of the most important races of the season. Not only are the grandstands packed with fans, but it is also the home grand prix for all but three of the teams on the grid. For the track itself, this year’s race is an important one as it is the fiftieth time the circuit has hosted the British Grand Prix.
After returning to the top of the podium in Austria, Mercedes heads to this weekend’s British Grand Prix full of confidence. Nico Rosberg’s victory over Lewis Hamilton saw him extend his championship lead to 29 points, but there is still everything to play for between the two Silver Arrows at Silverstone this weekend.
Both Rosberg and Hamilton will be chasing their second victories at the circuit, and both will know that they have rarely gone into a British Grand Prix with such a good chance of winning. Theoretically, the ‘loser’ of the pair is guaranteed second place, although neither will be willing to settle for anything less than a victory come the checkered flag.
The British Grand Prix is one of the most popular on the calendar as the fans come in their thousands to cheer on the drivers in all weather conditions. With rain forecast for qualifying and the race, it promises to be an intriguing grand prix weekend.
2014 British Grand Prix Talking Points
Home pride at stake for Lewis
If there is any race that Lewis Hamilton will want to win this season, it’s this one. As the most outstanding British driver of his generation, he is desperately trying to cut the gap to Rosberg at the top of the standings. Where better to regain the momentum than on home turf?
Button and Chilton excited for Silverstone
Of course, we cannot forget the other British drivers. Jenson Button and Max Chilton will both be flying the Union Jack on Sunday, and although they stand little chance of winning the race (or even points in Chilton’s case), a solid performance should put a smile on the faces of the fans.
Nico looks to double up
For Rosberg, the task in the next three races will be to maintain his lead at the top of the championship heading into the summer break. The German driver won last year’s race at Silverstone, capitalizing on a problem for runaway leader Sebastian Vettel. Spoiling Hamilton’s homecoming would be a huge psychological victory.
Wolff set to make history
Susie Wolff will become the first woman in 22 years to take part in an official Formula 1 session tomorrow when she deputizes for Valtteri Bottas in FP1. Wolff has worked with Williams for over two years now, and she will be hoping to prove herself against the rest of the F1 field at Silverstone.
Caterham begins life after Tony
Following Tony Fernandes’ sale of Caterham earlier this week, the team will enjoy its first race at Silverstone under the management of Christijan Albers. The long term future of the team is still not clear, but both Kamui Kobayashi and Marcus Ericsson will be hoping to put in a good display this weekend at its second ‘home race’ of the year.
Great Britain – Facts and Figures
Track: Silverstone
Laps: 52
Corners: 18
Lap Record: Mark Webber 1:33.401 (2013)
Tyre Compounds: Medium (Option); Hard (Prime)
2013 Winner: Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)
2013 Pole Position: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 1:29.607
2013 Fastest Lap: Mark Webber (Red Bull) 1:33.401
DRS Zone: Wellington Straight (T5 to T6); Hangar Straight (T14 to T15)
Click here for full broadcasting details for the British Grand Prix. Please note that qualifying and the race are live on CNBC this weekend.
