2012 F1 British GP podium – 1 Mark Webber, 2 Fernando Alonso, 3 Sebastian Vettel (www.formula1.com)
For so many laps on Sunday at Silverstone it seemed that Fernando Alonso was set to repeat his historic 2011 British victory for Ferrari, until Red Bull’s Mark Webber was able to turn the tables dramatically with just five laps remaining.
They started from the front row, Alonso on pole, and on his medium-compound Pirelli tyres the Spaniard raced away, leaving Webber, like many of their rivals shod with the soft rubber, to chase him from a distance. Alonso maintained his advantage after their first tyre stops, when they both changed to mediums, so it was the final stint that became critical.
Now Alonso had to switch to his mandatory set of soft tyres on the 37th lap, four laps after Webber had changed to another set of the mediums, and the fight was on. The gap was 3.9s on Lap 38, but then it came down bit by bit. By Lap 45 Webber was on his prey, but Alonso held on for two more laps before finally succumbing to the inevitable on the 48th as the Red Bull swept round the outside of him at Luffield and raced away to what was ultimately an easy victory.
Read full report Webber beats Alonso to Silverstone win | www.formula1.com
Results
1 Mark Webber Red Bull Racing-Renault 52 1:25:11.288 25pts
2 Fernando Alonso Ferrari 52 +3.0 secs 18pts
3 Sebastian Vettel Red Bull Racing-Renault 52 +4.8 secs 15pts
4 Felipe Massa Ferrari 52 +9.5 secs 12pts
5 Kimi Räikkönen Lotus-Renault 52 +10.3 secs 10pts
6 Romain Grosjean Lotus-Renault 52 +17.1 secs 8pts
7 Michael Schumacher Mercedes 52 +29.1 secs 6pts
8 Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 52 +36.4 secs 4pts
9 Bruno Senna Williams-Renault 52 +43.3 secs 2pts
10 Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 52 +44.4 secs 1pt
Qualifying
1 Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1:51.746
2 Mark Webber Red Bull Racing-Renault 1:51.793
3 Michael Schumacher Mercedes 1:52.020
4 Sebastian Vettel Red Bull Racing-Renault 1:52.199
5 Felipe Massa Ferrari 1:53.065
6 Kimi Räikkönen Lotus-Renault 1:53.290
Silverstone Circuit
Race Date: 08 Jul 2012
Number of Laps: 52
Circuit Length: 5.891 km
Race Distance: 306.198 km
Lap Record: 1:30.874 – F Alonso (2010)
Silverstone Circuit – aerial view
Siverstone Destination Guide
Silverstone Circuit is next to the Northamptonshire villages of Silverstone and Whittlebury. The Northamptonshire towns of Towcester (5 miles) and Brackley (7 miles) and Buckinghamshire town of Buckingham (6 miles) are close by, and the nearest large towns are Northampton and Milton Keynes.
It is best known as the home of the British Grand Prix, which it first hosted in 1948 and which has been held on the circuit every year since 1987.
There is an inextricable link between England and Formula One racing. Take three facts: (1) Silverstone is the oldest race on the calendar; (2) England is home – in full or in part – to eight of the teams (McLaren, Williams, Red Bull, Lotus, Force India, Mercedes, Caterham and Marussia) and (3) the sport’s commercial management is based in London.
From a driver’s perspective, Silverstone’s 5.8 kilometres are some of the most formidable on the Formula One calendar. The track, a former World War II aerodrome, is fast and a quick lap time requires bravery and finesse.
Transport
With the closest train stations half an hour’s drive from the track, road is the easiest method of getting to Silverstone, which is located around 130 kilometres north of London’s two main airports, Heathrow and Gatwick, both of which are connected to London city centre by express train links.
The Silverstone bypass has dramatically eased traffic over the race weekend and the circuit’s rural location means parking is plentiful. The other way into Silverstone is by air – helicopter is the drivers’ preferred mode of transport and on race day the circuit becomes the UK’s busiest airport.
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Useful tips
Many temporary grandstands are erected for the race and stand tickets are split into four different price bands. However, there is also plenty of good viewing to be had with a standard general admission ticket. The entrance to Copse corner, which is taken flat in seventh gear by a Formula One car, is best seen from a concrete standing area, as is the entrance to the infamous Beckett’s 500 metres later.
You never know what the weather’s going to do in England, even in June and July, so be prepared for sun and showers. It can also be very windy because the former airfield is situated in an exposed area.
Hang around on Sunday for the post-race party. It’s now an annual affair and usually involves some of the drivers – and is a good way to miss any traffic.
Silverstone village and circuit
Where to stay?
Hotels can be found in the nearby towns of Towcester, Buckingham or Northampton, along with many Bed & Breakfasts in the surrounding areas. Another cheap and convenient option is to camp in the grounds surrounding Silverstone and the Force India factory, which lies opposite the main gates.
Enthusiasts only
If you want an adrenaline fix, don’t leave Silverstone. Try one of their racing or rally school courses to find out if you’re the next Jenson Button. For some Formula One history, head up the M1 motorway and visit the Donington Collection, within the grounds of Donington Park circuit. It is home to the largest collection of Grand Prix cars in the world, with more than 130 exhibits.
