1 Brands Hatch

Vote: 27.9%

Brands Hatch’s undulating ‘Mini-Nurburgring’ offered challenges such as Paddock Hill Bend and Graham Hill Bend that rival the Nordschleife. It started and finished in a natural bowl offering fine views to its crammed spectator areas, and between times goes into the woods for its equally spectacular Grand Prix loop.

The circuit’s attractions, on and off track, owed much to the boundless energy of circuit director John Webb. And there were plenty of chances to see Formula 1 cars at Brands: it alternated with Silverstone as British Grand Prix venue between 1964 and 1986, hosted a couple of European Grands Prix and regular nonchampionship Race of Champions events. Arguably its best was saved for last with Nigel Mansell’s patriotic triumph in ’86.

Sadly a long-term GP deal for Silverstone left Brands on the sidelines, but the track lives on today in good health and largely unaltered form in Jonathan Palmer’s safe hands.