Where to take photos at Silverstone.

Having attended races at Silverstone since the early sixties (as a small boy in short trousers), I have seen a fair number of changes to the place. Some are distinct improvements – better “facilities”, more grandstands, big screens at major meetings and live timing on your mobile device.

Some changes have brought decidedly mixed benefits – acres of fencing, huge gravel traps and sitting so far from the action you need binoculars. These have largely been driven by the demands of modern Grand Prix cars and whilst I have no doubt that to drive an F1 car round Silverstone is a huge challenge and incredibly rewarding, perhaps the changes don’t do quite so much for the spectator.

I had taken some photos in the late 80’s with my Olympus OM2N – with that 35mm film that took ages to come back from the processing lab. When I acquired my first digital camera, an Olympus E500, it was only natural to again take photos.

Sauber Mercedes

Initially, most people might dismiss taking photos at Silverstone without accreditation, but over the last five years or so, I have identified a range of locations around the track that can be used to get good shots. It is also interesting to look at my photos (those below range from 2013 to 2018) and see the improvement – from better equipment and better technique.

The E500 produced some good photos but moving to the Nikon D610 and then acquiring the 70-200mm zoom and especially the 200-500mm zoom has opened up new possibilities – and that leads to a key point. For most of Silverstone on-track action, a decent length zoom lens is required – realistically a minimum 200mm and ideally up to 500mm.

A small step or ladder giving around a foot of extra height (I am 5’10”) provides the opportunity to shoot over the fence rather than through it. I have tended to keep away from “through the fence”, but having seen the work of one or two photographers who successfully do this (and tried it at Druids at Brands Hatch) I will be more open to using it.

Beyond this, there are the grandstands. These tend to be above the fence line but also tend to be a fair way back so need a long lens. However, they are not all open for most meetings and for the biggest races (Grand Prix / MotoGP Sunday) will be an allocated seat only. 

So, starting at the Grand Prix / International start finish line there has been slot in the fence just at the start of Abbey. The cars are going quickly at this point and needs a good panning action but the Mercedes (A1) shows it can be done. Alternatively, a rear shot of the cars heading out of Abbey and up towards Farm can be taken (A2).

A1

If the link road is open (between the north and south of the circuit running in between Beckets and Aintree) then there are a number of places to get interesting photos. The run into Village often sees overtaking (B1, B2). Village to the Loop is good (B3) and for the Silverstone Classic you might have a good backdrop from the fairground (B4). There is a wide gate so plenty of room.

B1

B3

Walking round towards the Loop, there is a slot which allows for a good rear shot as cars head up to Aintree (C1) or front shot looking back to Village (C2). Walking further round, there is another slot (probably my favourite spot on the whole circuit) covering the exit from the Loop (D1) or a panning shot (D2).

C1

D1

Opposite this is the Village Grandstand. From here and with a good length zoom lens, it is possible to get the cars coming into Village (E1, E2), through the Loop (E3) or Aintree (E4) and down the Wellington Straight (E5 or 6). This is also a covered grandstand which can be helpful if it is a) raining, b) sunny c) snowing – all have been seen in the last three years at various meetings. It doesn’t really help if its windy … remember, it was an airfield in WW2.

E3

F1

F2

G1

A step is recommended at the Luffield terracing to get over the fence but it does allow for photos of the action at Brooklands (H1) and Luffield (H2).

H1

Only a few events use the Grand Prix start / finish and International pits. Most use the Heritage / National pits and it is possible to get shots of cars coming through Woodcote or at the start of the race (I1). Further on from there is Copse – often the scene of first lap incidents and frequent breaches of track limits. The grandstands are rarely open here, so using the terracing with a step is the best option (J1, J2).

I1

J1

The only place on the track where you can get really close to the cars is Maggots – it is worth standing and watching for a few minutes here. It’s pretty obvious who is trying hard – measured by how much kerb is taken at Maggots and through Becketts. There is a point where there is a gate for the marshals and with a step and patience, as it can be popular, it can provide a dramatic image (K1).

K1

L1

X1