Hot off the heels of the French Grand Prix, the teams head to Silverstone circuit, in the UK, this week for round eleven of the 2005 FIA Formula One World Championship, the British Grand Prix. The race remains a firm favourite on the calendar for WilliamsF1, the Northamptonshire track being the location of Frank Williams' first Formula One victory in 1979, as well as the team's 100th GP win in 1997. Located near WilliamsF1's factory in Grove, next weekend's race is also one of the only opportunities for many of the team to witness their cars in action.

Silverstone is a true racer's circuit, one that demands courage from the drivers and precision set-up from the cars. With even further developments for the FW27 chassis to be introduced at the British Grand Prix, the team hopes to reproduce its previous successes at Silverstone while providing the fans with some great entertainment at the home of British motor racing.

Nick Heidfeld:
"Like Barcelona, Silverstone is well known by all the drivers and teams as everyone does a lot of testing there. I find the track quite challenging because it has a couple of fast corners, one I particularly enjoy is Becketts. I also like the English fans who know a lot about the sport and seem to be real enthusiasts. Although the weather at Silverstone can sometimes be even worse than that at the Nurburgring, I quite like driving in the rain and a wet track always provides more fun for me."

Mark Webber:
"Silverstone is always a place I enjoy going to. Because I've lived in England for a long time, I have many friends that always come to support the teams I have competed for at the British Grand Prix. I have many good memories of Silverstone. In 1997, I raced in F3 for Alan Docking Racing, whose team was based there, while I won there when I was driving in F3000. Last year's F1 race was good and, last, but not least, home is only 40 minutes away! I have also done a lot of cycling round that area so I know the place pretty well.

The circuit itself is massively demanding. It's a high speed circuit, not too dissimilar to Barcelona. As we know, weather can play a huge role at Silverstone, but it would be good to have decent conditions. I really hope we'll be more competitive next weekend and have a good race for one of the team's home GPs."

Sam Michael (Technical Director, WilliamsF1): "After France, we head to the UK for our home race, the British Grand Prix, and the final part of the double header. Silverstone is a high speed circuit, with fast changes of direction and three straights that reward power. It also has a slow speed complex to finish off the lap. Aero efficiency is important at Silverstone, with the cars' set-up geared towards helping high speed stability while not losing too much grip in the complex.

To give our drivers the best chance at the British Grand Prix, we have some further aero and mechanical upgrades for the cars. The chassis development has been pushed really hard this year to improve the FW27. 2005 has been the hardest and fastest development year we have ever had and the improved chassis proves the hard work is yielding results.

Overtaking is possible at Silverstone, as was demonstrated a couple of years ago. The teams' strategy decisions will be clearer now that the qualifying format has settled down again."

Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director): "Silverstone is one of the most traditional venues on the race calendar and, even after all this time, it remains one of the most popular circuits. At WilliamsF1's home race, we want to make sure we get a good result.

Having four races within one month, July presents a real challenge for everybody involved, especially because we have already had two back-to-back races recently, including an overseas trip. Given the hectic schedule, any development of the chassis is even more remarkable. The new aerodynamic package, having made its debut in Magny-Cours, should bear more fruit at Silverstone.

The three straights of the Silverstone circuit reward engine power. With 58 per cent full throttle per lap, Silverstone ranks slightly higher than the average F1 track. Nick and Mark will both have new BMW P84/5 engines for the British Grand Prix."

History and background:

For WilliamsF1, the British Grand Prix is always a poignant race. Not only is it WilliamsF1's home race but, on 14th July 1979, Clay Regazzoni secured the first victory for Frank Williams' team at Silverstone. The team's 100th victory was also achieved at the Northamptonshire circuit, on 13th July 1997, by Jacques Villeneuve. In total, WilliamsF1 has taken eight wins at the Home of British Motor Racing.

This year's British Grand Prix will be the 39th to have been held at the Northamptonshire circuit. Other British Grands Prix have been held at Aintree (5) and at Brands Hatch (12). Three European Grands Prix have also been staged in England, at Brands Hatch in 1983 and 1985, and at Donington Park in 1993.

Since Silverstone first hosted a Grand Prix in 1950, the track has undergone numerous modifications. In more recent years, the infrastructure surrounding the circuit has also been improved. Parking areas and access roads in particular have been dramatically improved following the 2000 race when un-seasonally heavy rain caused major disruption to the weekend.

2005 British Grand Prix - Main Page
2005 British Grand Prix - Team and Driver Preview Page

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