The British Grand Prix, pride of the Formula 1 calendar for many teams as it represents their home race and the heart of their fan base. Built in 1943 as a Royal Air Force bomber station, Silverstone’s three original runways now hold some of F1’s most famous features such as the Hangar Straight, Copse, Maggots and Becketts making it a genuine drivers’ favorite. It remains to be seen whether the British Grand Prix be held here beyond next year now that the circuit owners have activated a break clause in its contract.
McLaren Honda come into the weekend with mixed results making expectations somewhat unclear. There seems to be consensus that Honda’s new “spec 3” engine (“spec 2.5” according to insiders) is indeed a step forward; however, with Alonso having to revert to a “spec 2” after an MGU-H issue and Vandoorne being unable to qualify well with it (he did have competitive race pace)in Austria, there are still questions. This is topped off by fresh rumors that Honda has broken its newly signed contract with Sauber for a 2018 engine supply over reported disagreement on a driver lineup.
Elsewhere on the grid, it would seem that after two consecutive finishes off of the podium by Mercedes’ Hamilton and a second win by Mercedes’ Bottas that we may have a three-way fight for WDC shaping up. Ferrari, with their optimized engine, do seem to have something for Mercedes, especially in race trim. Either team could occupy top spot on the podium this year. With Silverstone being a bit more power-sensitive than the Red Bull Ring, Red Bull still has a chance at a 3rd place finish but it may be a stretch. If Austria was any indication, P6-P9 could be an exciting fight between Force India and Haas. Williams will be looking to play spoiler for those two teams and Torro Rosso will be looking to play spoiler for Williams. Renault seems to be floundering lately so it is unclear whether they will be in good form or languish toward the back.
US TV SCHEDULE
Practice 1, Friday July 14th, 4:00AM
EST
,
NBC
Sports Live Extra
Practice 2, Friday July 14th, 8:00AM
EST
,
NBCSN
Practice 3, Saturday July 15th, 5:00AM
EST
,
NBC
Sports Live Extra
Qualifying, Saturday July 15th, 8:00AM
EST
,
CNBC
Race, Sunday July 16th, 7:30AM
EST
,
CNBC
CIRCUIT INFORMATION
Lap data
Lap length: 5.891km (3.66 miles)
Race laps: 52
Race distance: 306.332km (190.346 miles)
Pole position: Left-hand side of the track
Lap record*: 1’30.874 (233.374 kph) by Fernando Alonso, 2010
Fastest lap: 1’29.607 (236.673 kph) by Lewis Hamilton, 2013
Maximum speed: 302kph (187.654 mph)
DRS
zone/s (race): Pit straight and Hangar straight
Distance from grid to turn one: 420m
Car performance
Full throttle: 66%
Longest flat-out section: 1034m
Downforce level: High
Fuel use per lap: 2.8kg
Time penalty per lap of fuel: 0.112s
Strategy
Quickest complete pit stop in 2013: 24.092s by Red Bull (see full list)
2017 prime tyre: Medium & Soft (2016: Medium & Hard)
2017 option tyre: Supersoft (2015: Soft)
*Fastest lap set during a Grand Prix
Data sources:
FIA
, Williams, Mercedes
2016 (V6
TURBO
ERA
) RESULTS:
Laps: 52
Pole: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 1:29.287
Fast race lap: Nico Rosberg, Mercedes, 1:35.548
Podium
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
2. Max Verstappen, Red Bull
3. Nico Rosberg, Mercedes
CURRENT STANDINGS
Drivers
1. Sebastian Vettel, Scuderia Ferrari, 171
2. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
AMG
Petronas, 151
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes
AMG
Petronas, 136
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull Racing, 107
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Scuderia Ferrari, 83
Constructors
1. Mercedes
AMG
Petronas, 287
2. Scuderia Ferrari, 254
3. Red Bull Racing, 152
4. Sahara Force India, 89
5. Williams Martini Racing, 40
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