Silverstone given thumbs-up

Formula One fans have given Silverstone their backing ahead of this weekend’s sell-out British Grand Prix.

A survey by world governing body the FIA quizzed almost 100,000 fans on what makes Formula One special for them – and Silverstone was a resounding winner.

The circuit has been on the receiving end of harsh criticism from the likes of Bernie Ecclestone in recent years but that has not changed fans’ opinions.

Of the 93,000 fans questioned as part of the FIA survey, 49% revealed their interest in the sport would decrease if Silverstone was no longer on the calendar. That put Silverstone third in the list behind Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium and Monaco.

The survey showed a lack of enthusiasm for new venues, with Shanghai, Bahrain and Istanbul propping up the list – despite 69% of fans claiming Formula One should add different countries to the calendar.

The current 19-race calendar has proved unpopular with teams and those working in Formula One but the majority of fans – 53% – strongly disagree there are too many grands prix. Four in five fans believe 18 should be the minimum while 28% want more than 21 races.

The survey also suggested fans want more emphasis placed on driver skill while retaining Formula One’s image as a technological peak.

FIA president Max Mosley said: “Fans from all over the world agree that the most important challenge to Formula One in the next five years is to maintain competitive racing.

“Many want to place more emphasis on driver skill and less on driver aids. It is also clear that the majority of fans are unhappy with the current qualifying system.

“These and other views will be an invaluable addition to the consultation process on the future rules of Formula One, which began formally this week. For the first time, fans’ opinions will form an essential part of this process.”