What the British drivers think about racing at home
The thoughts of a few of the 14 British drivers racing at Silverstone this weekend…
Jenson Button – No.11 SMP Racing BR Engineering BR1-AER:
“Silverstone is an iconic part of the sporting landscape in this country, and as my home race, was always one that was really special for me. I'm really looking forward to returning this weekend to compete on track once again. It's fast, it's flowing, it's home; every corner is special at Silverstone.”
Mike Conway - No.7 Toyota Gazoo Racing TS050 HYBRID:
“I can’t wait to get back racing to be honest. It was a nice break after Le Mans but I’m ready to go now. It’s a bit different racing at home because I have some friends and family coming to watch me race which is nice as there are not many chances for them. Also the fans at Silverstone are great so it’s a good atmosphere. The target for Silverstone is of course another one-two victory, and I hope the #7 will be on top. Competition will be tougher after the EoT adjustments but hopefully we still have an edge.”
Andy Priaulx – No.67 Ford Chip Ganassi Team UK Ford GT:
"I look forward to every race, however, for me just going past the sign that says 'Welcome to Silverstone The Home of British Motor Racing' is extra special and I can feel the excitement mounting. This place holds such amazing memories for me both on and off the track, as I used to live there in a caravan. We have had a bit of a tough season so far, but I am hoping things will change this coming weekend.
"Each race is like a six, or in the case of Le Mans, 24-hour sprint. We are all so closely matched and this means that we have to work extra hard for every last point. However, having won the race at Silverstone in April last year I am pretty confident Harry and myself can be competitive and, of course, our aim is to match that result. The track suits our car and it is one of those that I thoroughly enjoy racing on as it has some amazing corners."
James Calado – No.51 AF Corse Ferrari 488 GTE
“It’s been a long break since Le Mans and I can’t wait to get back out there racing again. I’ve spent some time on the simulator and we’ve found a bit of time compared to last year so we will see how it all works out. Silverstone is my favourite track and obviously one I know well; we’ve got lots of British drivers which hopefully will attract more fans to our home race.
“The track has been resurfaced since we were there last year so there will be different conditions. It’s got a bit more grip, is smoother and a few seconds quicker so I’m looking forward to it. The first few laps will be interesting, finding out where the bumps are and so on, and the track walk will be a busy one!”
Jonny Adam – No.90 TF Sport Aston Martin Vantage:
“I am really looking forward to this weekend and re-joining with everyone at TF Sport. It’s our home round at WEC so we’ll be aiming to get a great result. Salih [Yoluc] and Charlie [Eastwood] have already been on the podium this year at Spa, so we’ll be aiming to get another and kick-start their WEC championship campaign in style.”