5 Brands Hatch
Brands Hatch started as a cycling venue, yet under John Webb’s stewardship it grew to be a Mini-Nurburgring. Its drops, rises and varied mix of challenging corners provided action to its habitually packed spectator areas.
The track hit the heights as a Formula 1 host, alternating with Silverstone as British Grand Prix venue between 1964 and 1986, as well as hosting a couple of European Grands Prix and regular early-season non-championship
Race of Champions events.
Brands’ F1 races were rarely dull and arguably the best was saved for last with Nigel Mansell’s patriotic triumph in 1986.
F1 bosses decided to end the British GP alternation and throw their lot in with Silverstone, leaving Brands sadly on the sidelines.
Thankfully the track lives on in Jonathan Palmer’s safe hands and with a largely unaltered layout.