Within 24 hours of announcing that the long term future of the FIA FORMULA 1 BRITISH GRAND PRIX had been secured at Silverstone, the Northamptonshire circuit has seen an unprecedented level of demand for tickets to next year’s race on 9-11 July. Just under 6,500 tickets have been sold within 24 hours of going on sale, equating to more than £1.2 million in revenue. However, while Silverstone is thrilled with the early level of demand and support from fans, Silverstone Managing Director Richard Phillips has stressed that the current wave of interest needs to be maintained if the circuit is to make up for lost time. Formula 1 is the pinnacle of four wheeled motor sport and tickets for the 2010 race would normally have gone on sale in June 2009. Staff based at Silverstone’s Northamptonshire headquarters were celebrating the fact that the circuit will host not one, but two British Grands Prix in 2010. In addition to securing the new 17 year F1 deal with Bernie Ecclestone’s Formula One Management (FOM), MotoGP will also be returning to the Home of British Motor Racing in 2010, for the first time in over 20 years. To mark the occasion, Phillips was joined at Silverstone by dignitaries from the local councils, who were equally thrilled by the news that the venue will be hosting the two events in 2010. Phillips and the government officials also attended a photocall alongside Lewis Hamilton’s 2009 Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 car and Loris Capirossi’s 2009 Rizla Suzuki MotoGP bike both kindly loaned to the circuit by the two British based teams. Richard Phillips commented, “We have been overwhelmed by the early level of interest for tickets for next year’s event – we’re very fortunate that Silverstone and F1 enjoy fantastic support from the fans. With two World Champions, a British team and a British Grand Prix secured for the long term, there is a lot to be optimistic about. We’re committed to delivering a fantastic experience for the fans, offering real value for money, with an array of on and off-track entertainment. With MotoGP and F1 at Silverstone next year, we’re looking forward to a busy and exciting year.” Speaking at the press conference Paul Southworth, Chairman of Northamptonshire Enterprise Limited, outlined how important the new F1 deal was for the surrounding area: “This is magnificent news for the area as the Formula 1 British Grand Prix puts Northamptonshire on the World map, and will bring thousands of people into our County over the next 17 years. The event helps secure Northamptonshire’s position as not only the centre of Grand Prix racing but also centre of the high performance sector.” Jim Harker, Leader of Northampton County Council, added: “The Grand Prix is a major international event for Northamptonshire and helps secure the county’s position within the high performance industry sector. There are over 40,000 jobs currently in that industry worldwide and 20,000 of those are based in Northamptonshire. This news will help us retain the lead position in that industry.” Sandra Barnes, Leader of South Northamptonshire District Council, said: “Having Silverstone in our region does help position the county as the capital of motorsport, however, the circuit and the British Grand Prix also helps support the informal local economy. The vast majority of our local residents are very supportive and very proud to have Silverstone Circuit in our region.” Councillor Michael Edmonds, Aylesbury Vale District Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “This news is a real boost to residents and businesses in the district and particularly welcome in this difficult economic climate. We are very proud to have Silverstone in our district and want to do all we can to promote both the circuit and the wider attractions of Aylesbury Vale as a great place to visit and do business in.” Councillor Martin Tett, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Environment at Buckinghamshire County Council, said: “It’s fantastic news that Silverstone and therefore Buckinghamshire will host the British Grand Prix from 2010. The track is a hub for world class motor sport and its many supporting businesses. This generates significant local employment and has the potential for many more high value jobs. I’m looking forward to finding out more about the redevelopment plans for the track and facilities so Silverstone can continue to be a centre for motor sport excellence for many years to come.” Tickets for both the Formula 1 and Motorcycle British Grands Prix are now on sale. Tickets can be booked 24 hours a day, seven days a week at www.silverstone.co.uk. Alternatively, call 0844 3728 300 for Formula 1 / 0844 3750 500 for MotoGP.