FLYING THE FLAG

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT, TOWCESTER NN12 8TN. 26-28 AUGUST

The ‘Best of British’ will be one of the main themes of this year’s Silverstone Classic.

The three-day event, held over the August Bank Holiday weekend, aims to celebrate the UK’S major role in international motor sport, a fitting focus during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year. So while there will be the usual mix of classics from all over the world, the emphasis may just be a little more on the UK than usual – even if it is British triumphs abroad being remembered, highlights including Le Mans winners ranging from 1920s Bentleys to sports prototypes of just a decade ago.

Other races will see saloons of different eras battling it out. Expect to see Mini Coopers, Lotus Cortinas,

Ford Capris and Sierra RS Cosworths in action – plus it simply wouldn’t be Silverstone without Formula One. So, to honour this country’s ten F1 world champions, from Hawthorn to Hamilton, there will be Grand Prix machines from British manufacturers such as Cooper, Brabham, Tyrell, Mclaren, Lotus and Williams in action. Grids of more than 50 cars are planned for some of the races.

Away from the circuit, displays by some of the many invited clubs will showcase significant birthdays such as the centenary of the Austin Seven and the 60th anniversaries of three very different classics – the MGB, the Ford Cortina and the AC Cobra, all of which were launched during 1962.

More ‘Best of British’ highlights will be announced over the coming months but for now daily and threeday tickets are already on sale, with all options giving access to racing paddocks, trackside grandstand seating and evening entertainment. If you're even remotely interested in motor sport, this is one not to miss.

❚ silverstone.co.uk/events/theclassic