evancharley5: Silverstone boss grateful for fans’ co-operation

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Silverstone boss grateful for fans’ co-operation | 2012 British Grand Prix

Silverstone boss grateful for fans’ co-operation is an original article from F1 Fanatic. If this article has been published anywhere other than F1 Fanatic it is an infringement of copyright.

Managing director of Silverstone Circuits Richard Phillips paid tribute to fans, his staff and the local community for helping making the race a success.

Thousands of fans were asked not to park at the track on Saturday after heavy rain caused widespread traffic problems on Friday.

Phillips said: “Given the extreme weather conditions and position we found ourselves in on Friday, I don’t think Sunday could have gone much better.

“The sun shone, we had a great race, a popular winner and I’m delighted that we were able to get all the fans in and out of the circuit. There were some unavoidable delays but, on the whole, we managed to keep everyone moving safely.

“The fans really have been incredible; they make the British Grand Prix and are truly exceptional. I’d like to thank every single one of them for their continuing support over what was a trying weekend.”

Phillips said the decision to restrict parking on Saturday was vindicated on Sunday: “We had to make some difficult decisions on Friday, but they turned out to be absolutely the right decisions.

“Limiting the number that travelled to the circuit by car on Saturday enabled us to work through Friday night, all day Saturday and Saturday night to ensure that we were in better shape for Sunday to get everyone into Silverstone for the main race. It was an incredible effort by all the staff here.

“However, we couldn’t have done it without everyone’s patience and people listening to the information being giving out. By working with us we were able to overcome some serious challenges to deliver a great British Grand Prix for the fantastic British fans.”

He added: “The support of the local community has been wonderful. Local farmers got in touch offering camping facilities – some of which we used to re-site campers on Friday night – and we even had people camping in gardens.

“Everyone pulled together; it was actually quite humbling.”

Silverstone plans a “thorough review” of last weekend’s problems and told fans it would shortly issue details of how fans who could not attend due the weather may obtain refunds.

If you attended the race weekend please share your experience of the traffic problems in the comments or in the Going to the British Grand Prix forum.