News: The 1949 British Grand Prix

The R.A.C. has issued an eagerly-awaited news-bulletin about the 1949 British Grand Prix, which is to be held on May 14th at Silverstone. An entirely new circuit has been selected on the aerodrome, using the perimeter only, but with additional corners introduced. This will appreciably increase the speed of the race, and will delight those who felt that, even granted that the Italians were never really trying, last year’s average speed of 72.28 m.p.h. was on the slow side.

A large entry of foreign “aces” is expected and two new grandstands, overlooking exciting corners, will be available, besides the existing stands opposite the pits. Seats can be booked now, through the R.A.C., 83, Pall Mall, S.W.1.

We hope, too, that there will be proper safety-fencing this year, as the R.A.C. has an example to set to other clubs whose activities it controls and it certainly cannot afford a serious accident. The British Grand Prix will undoubtedly be a great race and will, we anticipate, be witnessed by every enthusiast in this country. The R.A.C. estimate of the attendance at last year’s rather experimental meeting is now up to 120,000; but we are not in a position to say whether or not this implies that official returns of the “gate” are now completed.