Best Racing Circuits In The UK

Race tracks are the proving grounds for both race cars and drivers. The race circuit is much more than tarmac sections designed along a course to test the skill of drivers and push cars to their peak performance level. Race circuits have a rich history and have been playing a very important role in the development of Motorsport. The UK has been a very integral part of the Motorsport world. Brooklands, the world’s first purpose-built racing circuit was built in 1907 in Surry, England, UK. The UK has a lot of racing circuits, but Silverstone, Brands Hatch, and Donington Park are the ones that stand out from the rest. We are going to tell you more about them and what makes them so popular!

The Silverstone circuit is the UK’s most popular racing circuit and the current home of the British F1 Grand Prix. Often regarded as the ‘Home of British Motor Racing’ the Silverstone circuit was opened in 1948 and held its first race the British Grand Prix in 1950. Similar to a lot of race circuits in the UK Silverstone was an airfield used by the British armed forces during World War 2 and then converted into a race circuit. The Silverstone circuit holds the distinction of being the only British race circuit to host a member of the British Royal Family when King George VI attended the 1950 European Grand Prix. Silverstone is a very fast and technical circuit. The circuit has many straights, overtaking areas with a good mix of sudden turns which all combined make for a very thrilling experience both for the drivers as well as spectators. Silverstone is well situated at the center of a motorsport hub. ‘Motorsport Valley’ as it is more commonly known is within close proximity of the 6 F1 teams based out of the UK. Being a major race circuit Silverstone has led to the overall development of the motorsport industry in the vicinity. Major car manufacturers such as Porsche and Aston Martin have their driving experience and development centers here as well. British F1 driver Lewis Hamilton currently holds the lap record at Silverstone with a time of 1:27.369 recorded at the 2019 British F1 Grand Prix.

Brands Hatch is a race circuit that has a rich history and motorsport heritage. Brands Hatch started off as a grass track style motorcycle racing circuit in 1926. While Silverstone is currently hosting the British Grand Prix, Brands Hatch hosted the same event on 12 occasions from 1964 to 1986. Brands Hatch is a circuit which has its own unique aura. The circuit is covered with forests and greenery, this also happens to be a natural amphitheater. The Brands Hatch circuit is a spectacle to witness both for the drivers and spectators alike. The topography and natural surroundings at Brands Hatch make the circuit a very challenging one for the driver as they have to deal with a lot of dips, bends, and sudden elevation changes. The spectators get a very good overall view of the circuit, making it a very joyous occasion for them. Brands Hatch may not be as active as it used to be in the past, however, it continues to remain one of UK’s best and most loved circuits!

Donington Park is UK’s oldest race circuit still in operation. The first race at Donington Park took place in 1931. Donington Park was originally part of the Donington Hall Estate, after a lot of changes and revisions it was converted into a race circuit. Donington Park held one of the most thrilling F1 races, the 1993 European Grand Prix which was won by one of the best race drivers of all time – Ayrton Senna. The opening lap of 1993 European Grad Prix by Senna is regarded by many as one of the best laps in F1 history! Apart from F1 Donington Park also holds numerous other events such as – British Touring Championship, F3 amongst others.

The UK has been at the forefront of Motorsport from its origins. The UK is home to numerous race circuits and all of them have played a crucial part in maintaining the UK's dominance at the top of global Motorsport.