Circuit staff are the driving force behind elite motorsport
As Silverstone hosted back-to-back races, Jack de Menezes learnt what it takes to get the Formula One show on the road
As the dust finally settled across Silverstone following two weeks of action, those responsible for ensuring that British motorsport was able to go ahead were finally able to take a well-earned breather. There are a number of people to credit with getting Formula One back up and running, from the drivers and teams working within their “bio-bubbles” to the officials who have structured a season that has clicked so far, even when one of the drivers contracted coronavirus.
But having F1 back on our doorstep these past two weekends brought a timely reminder of those who enable these events to go ahead at all, with circuit staff and marshals very much the unheralded heroes of the 2020 season.
Most marshals volunteer to maintain safety at races, giving up their own time because they are enthusiasts who know the show can only go on if people like them are willing to help out in any way possible.
The work they carry out has never been underappreciated, but it rarely rises to the fore. If everything goes smoothly and they’ve done their job, marshals should never be noticed.
What was noticeable though was the work and effort that went into preparing Silverstone for something it hasn’t hosted before: back-to-back British Grands Prix. A desolate Silverstone looked resplendent even in the absence of fans, giving the action a more natural backdrop as fields and grass banks replaced the rows of fans who usually line the track.
But in having back-to-back races, we were able to witness what track staff actually do. Circuits do not maintain themselves at Grand Prix level, and after three days of action for the first round of F1, all grass verges were cut, every kerb was repainted and subtle changes were made to improve track safety – a tyre barrier was added to the outside of Maggots while the Chapel kerb was extended to prevent cars from cutting across the dirt as they did in week one.
Staff put in 18-hour days across the two weeks to bring Silverstone up to scratch, with Sunday’s thrilling Grand Prix the reward for their efforts.
It wasn’t just Silverstone where the unheralded heroes brought motorsport to living rooms across the country. Brands Hatch staged the second round of the British Touring Car Championship, while Donington held the opening British Superbikes round.
With fewer marshals and staff allowed trackside, it’s important over the coming months just to remind them all that their selfless work never goes unnoticed.
Yours,
Jack de Menezes
Sports news correspondent