Rubens Barrichello to drive in Silverstone’s 50th Grand Prix parades

Silverstone has today announced that Rubens Barrichello, 2003 British Grand Prix winner and victor of 11 Grands Prix, is the latest Formula 1® great confirmed to participate in the circuit’s commemorative parades at its 50th Grand Prix. Taking place on all three days of this year’s FORMULA 1 SANTANDER BRITISH GRAND PRIX (04-06 July), the parades will transfer spectators back to a bygone era as the circuit comes alive to the sound of former British Grand Prix winning cars.

The popular Brazilian, who holds the record for the most Grand Prix starts in Formula 1® history (322), having driven for Jordan, Stewart, Ferrari, Honda, Brawn and Williams, will take to the wheel of a Williams FW07b, in homage to the team he raced for before his retirement from the sport at the end of the 2011 season.

The FW07b is the successor to the FW07, which made its debut midway through the 1979 season and - driven by Clay Regazzoni - secured Williams’ first ever Formula 1® victory, at the Silverstone British Grand Prix. The car then went on to win four out of the following five races that season (in the hands of Regazzoni’s team-mate Alan Jones), establishing the team as a real contender in the Championship and marking the start of an illustrious period of success for the team that would last for many years.

2003 Silverstone - The starting grid: Rubens Barrichello

Photo by: Ferrari Media Center

Barrichello, who secured the majority of his 11 Grand Prix victories with Ferrari, commented: “Silverstone means a lot to me, not just for my win in 2003, but from the times I spent there in my British Formula 3 and Formula 3000 days.

“During that time the layout of the circuit changed; I went through a lot there and I have always considered Silverstone my second home. Of course, my win in 2003 was one of my best and a really special moment, so I’m delighted to be taking part in Silverstone’s celebrations for its 50th Grand Prix.”

The ‘Silverstone50’ parades are scheduled to take place on all three days of the British Grand Prix at the following times: Friday 04 July - 12:50-13:05; Saturday 05 July - 12:05-12:20; and Sunday 06 July - 11:10-11:25. Timings are provisional and subject to change.

Other legendary cars and drivers confirmed to take part in the 50th Grand Prix parades include:

- Sir Jackie Stewart, driving his 1969 British Grand Prix winning Matra MS80

- David Brabham, driving his late father Sir Jack Brabham’s 1960 British Grand Prix winning Cooper Climax T53

- Dario Franchitti in Jim Clark’s 1963 British Grand Prix winning Lotus 25

- Adrian Newey who will drive Ronnie Peterson’s March 711 from 1971

Further drivers and cars will be announced in due course.

The 2014 FORMULA 1 SANTANDER BRITISH GRAND PRIX will be the 50th Grand Prix to be held at Silverstone since Luigi Villoresi won the first ever event on 02 October 1948, two years before the inauguration of the FIA Formula One World Championship in 1950.

Silverstone Circuit