The largest-ever grid of Grand Prix cars from the Cosworth DFV era will be among the major highlights at the 2015 Silverstone Classic, to be held 24-26 July at the 18-turn, 3.6 mile Silverstone Grand Prix circuit in Northamptonshire, England.
The 25th anniversary Silverstone Classic will feature the glorious three-litre cars from the careers of legendary drivers such as Jackie Stewart, James Hunt, Niki Lauda, Mario Andretti and Emerson Fittipaldi. The FIA Masters Historic Formula One Championship will see an array of crowd-pleasers from the 1966 to 1995 epoch, all still in their period liveries. It was a magical era when Cosworth DFV power plus a creative designer could win races long before wind tunnels, hybrids and energy drinks were invented.
This summer’s 2015 Silverstone Classic will boast a record field with 43 cars already confirmed for the two showdowns on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Moreover, as part of the event’s Silver Jubilee celebrations, and for one year only, both stand-out races have been symbolically extended to 25 minutes.
The line-up includes no fewer than eight Williams from the early eighties. One of these is the FW07C that Alan Jones took to second place in the 1981 Monaco Grand Prix and is now raced by Paolo Barilla, the one-time Minardi F1 driver and Le Mans 24 Hours winner.
The entry also includes six Tyrrells, four Marches, trios of Lotuses and Shadows plus pairs of Brabhams, Ensigns, Fitipaldis and Heskeths. Other constructors already on the grid include McLaren, Surtees, Penske as well as a 1981 Ligier JS/17 with its V12 Matra engine.
“The Silverstone Classic is always a highlight of the Masters Historic Racing calendar, and the strength of the entries through all the races we are managing demonstrates how popular the event is with our drivers,” said Masters Historic Racing Event Manager Rachel Bailey. “We hope to be presenting our biggest-ever grid in the FIA Masters Historic Formula One Championship, with an unprecedented entry of over 40 cars, a line-up with which we are absolutely delighted and one which should provide many memorable sights and sounds!”
“Anyone who has been to the Classic knows just how evocative and exciting these Masters F1 races are when set on the full Silverstone Grand Prix circuit,” enthused Nick Wigley, Event Director. “Last year’s second race was just incredible with the five leading drivers swapping places throughout. Now it’s a mouth-watering prospect to think we are going to see even more of the amazing cars and even longer races in July. It’s certainly a spectacle no F1 fan will want to miss.”
Adding to the attraction, all Silverstone Classic tickets give access to the event’s two pits and paddock complexes, allowing visitors an opportunity to see all these period F1 cars up close.
Tickets for the 25th anniversary Silverstone Classic must be purchased in advance. Adult admission starts from £40 and, as well as pits access, ticket prices include booking fees, parking, infield, grandstands, live music and the vast majority of the numerous attractions. Full details – together with hospitality packages and weekend festival camping – can be found at SilverstoneClassic.com.
[Source: Silverstone Classic; photo: Tim Scott / Fluid Images]
