Today is the 75th Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Over the last twenty five years I’ve been to see the race six times. The last time I went was 2022 and it was the first time I had taken field recording gear with me.
I had high expectations that I would be able to get a great collection of recordings while I was there that would capture the atmosphere and history of the site but it didn’t really work out that way! The tannoy system is pervasive, so there is almost nowhere where you can’t hear some form of commentary going on. I think when I go again I’ll take a wider range of mics to capture contact and vibrational sounds too which could be quite interesting.
I did manage to get a couple of recordings that worked quite well. My Formula 3 Phasing post and this recording of the metallic bridge that takes traffic into the centre of the circuit.
Silverstone has undergone a lot of changes over the years, some quite dramatic and this bridge that seems to be made out of metal sections which has a very temporary construction feel to it used to go over the track at “Bridge” corner. This was part of the track layout from 1991-2010. Now the track goes elsewhere and you can walk under the bridge.
It creates a very unique sound as traffic slowly crosses it.
Today is also historic in that we have three British drivers qualifying in the top three! Hopefully that will convert into a British win so good luck George, Lewis and Lando!
Until the next time! 🏎️🏁
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