HISTORY OF THE CIRCUIT

The Silverstone circuit, which was originally an RAF bomber station called RAF Silverstone during World War II, is located on the site of the former airfield. The airfield had three runways arranged in a classic triangular pattern, which now form the outline of the current racing track. The circuit has gone through various modifications since its initial use in the 1940s.

Silverstone had a difficult task in its motorcycle history—it was the first track to replace the legendary British TT Isle of Man on the motorcycle Grand Prix calendar, which was deemed too dangerous, and riders protested. The circuit was raced from 1977 to 1986. Silverstone then replaced Donington Park on the calendar.

In February 2009, a refurbishment plan costing £5 million was proposed. One of the most significant changes was adding a new section called "The Arena"‒this would involve racers turning right at the old Abbey Chicane and heading towards the newly constructed Arena section located in the infield. Racers would then turn left onto the National Circuit straight before rejoining the original Grand Prix circuit at Brooklands. The Arena section featured three new grandstands, and Silverstone claimed that these changes would make the circuit the fastest track on the MotoGP calendar.

On its return, Silverstone has become a fixture on the MotoGP calendar and remains so despite repeated plans to move to the newly built Circuit of Wales.