Silverstone a sell-out

100,000 Sell-out crowd for British Grand Prix

Silverstone announced today that the 2005 Formula 1 Foster's British Grand Prix (Friday 8th to Sunday 10th July) is a sell-out, with Sunday's race scheduled to take place in front of a capacity crowd of 100,000. The event is sold out for the second year running and justifies the hard work and effort that went into securing the future of the event at Silverstone for at least the next five years.

The support for this year's British Grand Prix has been exceptional with demand for tickets matching that of 2004. Silverstone's pricing structure, the popularity of the Early Booking Offer – offering all three days at the British Grand Prix for the price of a raceday ticket – and one of the most exciting F1 seasons for several years, have all been instrumental in this sell out.

While general admission tickets are no longer being sold, fans can still purchase hospitality packages for either the weekend or individual days. A limited number of places are available on each of the three days, however, hospitality for race day is close to selling out.

The only packages remaining on the Sunday of the British Grand Prix are for either Vale or a private Paddock Suite. Hospitality packages are only available in advance, so the message from Silverstone is clear: if you haven't already booked your ticket, please don't arrive expecting to purchase one on the gate.

Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Ltd, commented: "We are delighted that F1 fans have once again shown such overwhelming support for the British Grand Prix. A sell out crowd is exactly what Silverstone, Formula One and, more importantly, the fans deserve."

"Silverstone is one of the best racing circuits in the world and is renowned for producing one of the most exciting races of the season. The drivers and teams always enjoy coming to Silverstone. It's a special event and we're thoroughly looking forward to another fantastic race weekend at the Home of British Motor Racing."

The success of last year's British Grand Prix has also helped ticket sales in 2005. Phillips added: "Last year's event ran smoothly from start to finish - we even received a compliment from Mr Ecclestone! The new one-way traffic system worked extremely well, enabling the 195,000 fans who attended over the three days to get in and out of Silverstone with very few delays. The same traffic system will be implemented for this year's event and further details are available on our website – www.silverstone- circuit.co.uk."

"The Grand Prix Party will also take place again this year, kicking off the post-race celebrations in the centre of the circuit. 15,000 fans stayed behind after the final race in 2004 and we're expecting a similar crowd to continue the festivities in 2005."

Access to the Grand Prix Party will be free to all race day ticket holders straight after the last race of the day, and will provide fans with an opportunity to see some of their F1 heroes mixing it on stage with stars from the world of music, including Jools Holland and his amazing Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.

A number of drivers and F1 personalities are expected to join the legendary Murray Walker and ITV's F1 analyst Tony Jardine on the purpose built stage, as the entertainment continues into the evening.

Phillips concluded: "The sell-out crowd endorses both the popularity of the British Grand Prix and the ongoing improvements that are being made to the facilities and infrastructure of Silverstone. Silverstone is the home of the British Grand Prix and we are extremely proud to host one of the biggest sporting events on the UK sporting calendar."

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