Silverstone boosted by Friday crowds

Silverstone boosted by 35,000 crowd on Friday of British Grand Prix

Silverstone Managing Director Richard Phillips expressed his delight today after the official crowd figure for the opening day of the 2005 Formula 1 Foster’s British Grand Prix (Friday 8th to Sunday 10th July) was confirmed to be 35,000. The attendance matched that of the Friday of 2004 and was particularly heartening following the events that took place in London on Thursday (7th July).

Phillips commented: “We are delighted that such a large number of fans have joined us at Silverstone today. After the atrocities of yesterday it’s great to see so many F1 fans coming to the circuit and enjoying themselves. It’s important at a time like this to put a smile back on peoples’ faces, and that’s exactly what we are aiming to do."

“Everyone associated with the event – from the circuit and event organisers to drivers and teams – is determined to put on a real show for the fans. We’ve had a great day today, and we’ve got two more fantastic days of racing to look forward to.”

As a mark of respect for those who lost their lives in London yesterday, the FIA has today confirmed that a minute’s silence will be held before the start of the race on Sunday (10th July).

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