Bumper crowds expected

30 June 2015 10:01

The organisers of this weekend's British Grand Prix are expecting a record-breaking crowd for Sunday's race.

Lewis Hamilton, who holds a 10-point lead over his Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg ahead of his home race, is hotly anticipated to deliver his second Silverstone victory in as many seasons.

And while Formula One has come under heavy criticism this year for tepid and predictable races, British fans have been undeterred with 140,000 people anticipated to descend on Northamptonshire this Sunday.

Silverstone chiefs have also vowed to give £10 back to every fan who attends the race, which is likely to cost them in the region of £1,000,000.

"The Silverstone fans are the best in the world and are sure to raise the roof in support of the British drivers as we predict a record crowd," Patrick Allen, Silverstone's Managing Director, said.

"The support for the event has been overwhelming and as a reward we will give all the fans a £10 credit on their account which can be used against any Silverstone event, Driving Experience or Gift Voucher.

"Silverstone is the best attended three-day sporting event on the British calendar and we are looking forward to welcoming fans for what promises to be a great festival weekend of motor racing."

The circuit reduced ticket prices by 44 per cent - in honour of Hamilton's racing number - over the course of the Austrian Grand Prix which led to a spike in sales.

But the decision attracted criticism from fans who had already purchased tickets at full price.

"I understand that not all of our customers are happy about the recent ticket promotions which have resulted in some of the remaining grandstand seats being sold at significantly lower prices than the prime seating offered just after the 2014 event", Allen said last week.

"Everyone at Silverstone values our customers and I really appreciate the loyalty that has been shown to the circuit over the years.

"However it was important to address the trend of ever increasing ticket prices that was preventing the vast majority of loyal fans and their families from attending the event.

"I can assure fans that there will be no repeat of this year's experiment and that immediately after the 2015 race will be the best time to buy the cheapest tickets for a limited period before subsequent price increases.

"All of that said I know there will be some fans out there that will understandably feel let down having bought their tickets early and in good faith that the ticket price they paid should have been the best value. Albeit you have secured the seat you wanted in the location of your choice.

"We are going to put on the best show ever for all fans in what will be a record breaking event and hope that no matter what ticket price was paid it will be seen as great value for money."

Source: PA