Silverstone Infield Loop

[ukaskew]

Has anyone ever figured out the deal with this area, and for what events on the GP circuit it's definitely always open/shut for? I'm thinking mainly big events such as WEC, Silverstone Classic and F1 (presumably shut).

I find it a strange and fascinating place. You have the 'old' circuit which is restrictive to the point of there only being a couple of places where you can get a good view over a fence, then you have the new infield section which is the most open and relaxed area of any circuit I've ever been to.

The oddest thing is that for 95% of the circuit there are additional barriers to stop the public getting up to the fence (in one of the F1 shooting location threads that @Graphix501 kindly assisted with, against the fence along the National Pit Straight was suggested, I noticed yesterday they now have spectator barriers a good 10ft back from the fence here), yet wander around the 'new' infield and you can go right up to nearly all the fencing, and some areas are so open/unprotected you could walk right onto the circuit. Aside from a few 'Dangerous Area. No Spectator' signs sporadically on the fencing (which are widely ignored and not enforced), there is nothing to suggest where you can and can't go.

I'm guessing they've just never finished it (or can't afford to), which is why I'm surprised it's not shut to the public. I'm not complaining by the way, just confused as that area being open is make or break for me in terms of enjoying a day at the circuit. Yesterday it allowed me to get this...

Silverstone 24hr by Chris Harrison, on Flickr

 

[yamahatdm900]

Lovely shot Chris. I find the trouble with this area is the sheer inconstancy of what you can/can't do. I can understand to some degree it changing from event to event but at quite a few events it seems to change from day to day. At one of the BSB meetings they where stopping you walking to the new loop area from the direction of the old start straight ( the old they use for the BSB) but you could walk down the outside over the bridge and walk past the same security guard the other way freely.

 

[ukaskew]

Lovely shot Chris. I find the trouble with this area is the sheer inconstancy of what you can/can't do. I can understand to some degree it changing from event to event but at quite a few events it seems to change from day to day. At one of the BSB meetings they where stopping you walking to the new loop area from the direction of the old start straight ( the old they use for the BSB) but you could walk down the outside over the bridge and walk past the same security guard the other way freely.

The inconsistency is exactly why I avoid Silverstone generally. You never know what mood they will be in event to event. Away from the loop plenty of people also seem to get away with standing up against the fence (so beyond the spectator barriers) to take photos, I'm really not comfortable with that so have never bothered.

 

[MFlip]

At one of the BSB meetings they where stopping you walking to the new loop area from the direction of the old start straight ( the old they use for the BSB) but you could walk down the outside over the bridge and walk past the same security guard the other way freely.

Had the same at Blancpain last year in the morning. Walked back round the circuit from the international pit straight in the afternoon to access the same way and was stopped from entering. Inconsistent is about right.

 

[stevie borowik]

The inconsistency is exactly why I avoid Silverstone generally. You never know what mood they will be in event to event. Away from the loop plenty of people also seem to get away with standing up against the fence (so beyond the spectator barriers) to take photos, I'm really not comfortable with that so have never bothered.

Media bibs help with the numpty security staff that is a stunning shot btw!!

 

[Gary]

great shot.. we must have been standing very near each other.. your shot came out much better than mine!