'We want the whole family to enjoy Silverstone'

A Silverstone boss said it was important the racing circuit kept diversifying so all could enjoy its offerings in years to come.

Stuart Pringle is the managing director of the Northamptonshire racing circuit that has just hosted its annual Silverstone Festival.

It also hosts the Formula 1 British Grand Prix each year as well as British Motorcycle Grand Prix.

However, Mr Pringle said he wanted to ensure the circuit offers more events and experiences for the whole family.

"We're an international brand - Silverstone passes that global recognition," he told BBC Radio Northamptonshire.

"If you say Silverstone to people around the world they know that it is a motor racing circuit but it is of course anchored in this part of the United Kingdom.

"Not everybody that comes here is a diehard petrolhead.

"It's designed to appeal to a multi-generational family group and having these different elements is really important.

"The days of blokes going motor racing on their own are thankfully confined to history. We want to offer a chance for whole family groups to come and enjoy themselves."

Mr Pringle said that the racing circuit is going through some work to offer more experiences to both local visitors and those coming from afar.

This winter, an international standard karting circuit will be built for anyone to make use of.

Mr Pringle added the popular Netflix's series Drive to Survive had helped open the world of Formula 1 to a new audience which Silverstone was "all the more better for".

"It's a broader, more diverse crowd that we have here at Silverstone now and the place feels great as a result," he continued.

"I'm really enjoying diversifying and growing this business and building the Silverstone brand into something that's so much more than one Sunday in July."

The 2024 Silverstone Festival showcased the largest collection of race cars driven by Formula 1 legend Ayrton Senna, 30 years on from his death.

The Brazilian driver won three championships in the sport including one at Silverstone, but he died following an accident in the San Marino Grand Prix in May 1994.

His niece, Lalalli Senna, was in attendance at the event and has a statue she created of Senna on show in the museum until 30 August.

"He was magical as a sportsperson but he was also magical as a human being," she said.

"I think that's why 30 years later people remember him with such fond memories and he touched people's hearts in a different way which is very, very special for us as a family."

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