This archive report was first published on 8 August 2020.
Seventy years ago, Silverstone, a decommissioned Second World War airfield in the United Kingdom, witnessed the first Formula One world championship race, drawing a massive crowd of 100,000 fans.
Fast forward to 2020, and the circuit will be hosting a significantly scaled-down event, with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing most international sports to take place behind closed doors.
However, fans can still experience the excitement of the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix virtually. McLaren has invited 500 fans to participate in a 'virtual stand' where they can interact with drivers Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz before the Sunday race.
Williams, another legendary British team, is also offering a similar experience, allowing fans to 'experience the thrill of a Grand Prix from the comfort of their own homes.'
The 70th Anniversary Grand Prix will be the second race at Silverstone in a week, following the British Grand Prix last weekend. It will also mark the 1,023rd grand prix of the modern era.
Having hosted the first F1 race in 1950, Silverstone has undergone significant changes over the years, with the circuit lengthening from 4.649km to 5.891km and the lap record dropping from 1min 50.8sec to 1min 24.303sec.
Despite the changes, the circuit remains a timeless and unique 'temple' of F1 racing, with the names of major corners like Maggotts, Becketts, and Stowe remaining the same.
Other storied circuits, including Monaco, Spa in Belgium, and Monza in Italy, will also be hosting F1 events this year, albeit behind closed doors.
Alfa Romeo, the only brand present on Sunday that was also on the 1950 starting grid, will be celebrating its 70-year history at Silverstone. Giuseppe Farina brought home the victory for Alfa Romeo 70 years ago.
Thai driver Alexander Albon and Monaco's Charles Leclerc will be representing their countries at the event, following in the footsteps of Prince Birabongse Bhanudej Bhanubandh, a Thai driver who competed in the 1950 championship, and Louis Chiron, a Monegasque driver.
