British F1 drivers preview the British GP: “One of the very best on the calendar”

As Silverstone makes final preparations ahead of this year’s FORMULA 1 SANTANDER BRITISH GRAND PRIX, the next round of the 2013 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, Britain’s four F1 drivers – Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Paul Di Resta and Max Chilton – have come together for a British Grand Prix photo shoot, in support of their home race.

2012 F1 race at Silverstone

Photo by: XPB Images

With four British drivers lining up on the famous Silverstone start grid, support from the passionate home crowd promises to be electric, while the combination of unpredictable tyres, new upgrades on cars and five different winners in the first seven races means it is all to play for at the Home of British Motor Racing.

With the season already approaching the mid-way point, Britain’s four Formula 1™ drivers are all looking forward to their home race:

Lewis Hamilton, MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS: “Winning the British Grand Prix in 2008 was an incredible moment for me. I’ve been aiming to repeat it every year since and I’d love to win my second race at Silverstone. We have a good car this year so I hope we can do it and it would be great to make the team proud at my home race.

Silverstone is so special for the British drivers and the weekend is made by the amazing support from our home fans. The atmosphere, the flags flying around the circuit and just seeing everyone supporting us really does lift you. I hope we can put on a good show for them and we’ll be pushing as hard as possible to give them a great weekend.”

Jenson Button, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes: “The British Grand Prix is one of the very best grands prix on the calendar – and Silverstone is absolutely unique. Firstly, it’s one of the greatest circuits in the world. Becketts, quite simply, is the greatest sequence of corners in motor sport – you cannot believe the speeds you’re able to pull through there. And Copse and Stowe are incredible too.

“It’s also a track with such great historical significance – it’s where the first-ever world championship Formula 1™ race was held, and it’s really cool to look at pictures throughout the sport’s history and to be able to recognise Silverstone in pictures featuring such icons as Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell. There are very few circuits left that have that sort of history – and we’re privileged to have one in Great Britain.

“Finally, Silverstone is special because of the fans: they are the best in the world. It’s the people who make Silverstone what it is – they are there every day, in all weathers, cheering on every driver on every lap. That level of support is something you see nowhere else – British fans have a deep, innate knowledge and understanding of the sport, and they’re passionate about every element of Formula 1™.

“Obviously, as a British driver, I’m particularly grateful for the support I’ve received over the years. I hope I can put on a great show for the fans this year.”

Paul Di Resta, Sahara Force India: “For me it’s the biggest event we go to, especially in terms of support from the British fans, which is always amazing. You feel it as soon as you arrive on the Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon because the fans are already there camping. The atmosphere is electric and I remember last year the drivers’ parade was one of the highlights of the year – it really sent a shiver through me because of the reaction we received and the fact that there wasn’t a seat left in the place.

“It’s the track that makes you really appreciate what a Formula One car is capable of, especially the aerodynamic grip through the quick corners and the change of direction. Everybody talks about Maggotts and Becketts, and there really is nothing else like them anywhere in the world. I also enjoy the new section and every year we go back there it gets better and better. The new layout has definitely created some more overtaking opportunities, especially with the introduction of DRS, so it’s been the right move.”

Max Chilton, Marussia Racing: “The first British Grand Prix of my F1 career is going to be incredibly special for me, without a doubt. Every race so far in my debut season has been a fantastic learning experience and I'm sure the same will be true of Silverstone, but with additional support from the super-enthusiastic fans of all four British drivers. The atmosphere is amazing and there's a sea of Union Jack flags wherever you look around the circuit. It's my home race but also that of the Team, so we'll be looking to do well and put on a good performance in front of the home crowd and so many of our Team Partners. I can't wait."