Alonso's Silverstone win loaded with historical significance

Fernando Alonso gave Scuderia Ferrari its first win of the 2011 season at the British Grand Prix. The victory marks 60 years since the Scuderia’s first ever Grand Prix win, at the hands of José Froilan Gonzalez on the same track in 1951.

Before the race, Fernando Alonso commemorated the anniversary with an exhibition lap of the Silverstone circuit in the 375 F1 driven by Gonzalez at the 1951 British Grand Prix. The car now belongs to Bernie Ecclestone. It was driven around Silverstone 10 years ago by Michael Schumacher when he was a Ferrari driver.

"It is a very special win," said Alonso of his 27th career win. "I think Silverstone is a special event for every driver competing in Formula One. We know the history of motorsport here in the UK so it is special Grand Prix.

"Also today I had the privilege to drive the Jose Froilan Gonzalez’s car. It was the first Ferrari win in Formula One and this year it is 60 years ago that one Ferrari car won the first grand prix in Formula One. Today we won on the same circuit with the same passion, with the same group of people, working for this fantastic team. Every year competing in Formula One right from the beginning so this is the big thing about Ferrari. The passion, the victory and the love for competition so very happy to drive this car and achieve this success again."

It was also the 60th anniversary of Shell's first victory with Ferrari in F1; "And to be able to celebrate 160 wins during Shell’s technical partnership with Ferrari 60 years on is a remarkable achievement.’ said Richard Bracewell, Shell Global Sponsorships Manager.