Date : December 2005
Car : 996
Track Day ability : Beginner
The full Grand Prix circuit is the one to do, which adds to the event from everything that you may have seen on tv before !
Another half hour session on off event, where such sessions do work especially if you're experienced enough to avoid the no-mirrors bridgage but you do need a powerful car to stay at the pace of the more experienced machinery, otherwise you spend most of the lap watching what's coming up behind !!
Instruction is a MUST if you've never done the GP before as it is very easy to miss all of the ideal lines as the track (perfect surface quality!) in most parts is very wide, which makes it very safe ! Obviously there a few small run off areas and the odd concrete barrier waiting to say hello, but the width allows you to make a mistake and still be on the black stuff, rather than most other tracks where there is only 1 line ! but overall the design of the circuit is very safe, run off areas are cleverly designed, etc. I also learnt that you can also take a bit of kerb (only a bit) so rather than avoiding them like all other circuits, this adds to the track day experience.
Technically the circuit is very challenging with the track flow keeping ou entertained, especiallly for a fast and powerful vehicle, but in my mere 996 (!) the straights were quite long and I did feel I was waiting for the next corner as the day wore on.
It also does take a while to get around, which also means it is moderately heavy on the brakes but the flow of the circuit means there aren't actually many heavy braking points due to the high speed nature of the circuit, but as always you still have to keep an eye on the brakes!
Tyres pressure settings are vital on the Silverstone GP circuit, so make sure you have the correct track setting, as the odd red flag (and the cold temps on the day) meant it took a few sessions before I finallly got the tyres at the correct track setting.
Overall there is mixed opinions on Silverstone, but it is after all the British GP Venue with 1st rate Pit Garages (as one would expect) and proper catering, with a good section of track day photographers (if only they had taken snaps looking down the pit straight! when I was there!) very recommended.