Hamilton, Button and Coulthard gearing up for the start of the F1 season and the 2008 FORMULA 1 SANTANDER BRITISH GRAND PRIX at Silverstone - Ticket demand hits record levels

During preparations for the opening race the three British drivers came together for a rare, one-off photo shoot, calling on fans to show their support at their home race at Silverstone on 4-6 July.

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The FORMULA 1 SANTANDER BRITISH GRAND PRIX is one of the most eagerly anticipated rounds of the season - by drivers, teams and fans alike. Following the phenomenal success of Lewis Hamilton in 2007, the demand for tickets to this year.s British Grand Prix has reached record levels over the past few months.

Not since 2005, when the future of the event was under threat, has interest been so high. With 61,000 tickets already sold the advice from Silverstone to anyone considering going to the event is „book now to avoid disappointment.

While demand remains high, and tickets are selling at record speeds, there are still a wide range of ticket and hospitality packages available from the circuit. In addition to limited availability in grandstands, General Admission tickets are on sale from as little as £115 for all three days (£57.50 for children aged 15 and under).

Back by popular demand, single day tickets are also available in 2008 offering great value at just £49 for practice on Friday and £69 for qualifying on Saturday. Due to high demand only a limited number of £99 single day tickets are available for race day on Sunday. Silverstone Family Tickets (for two adults and up to three children) are also an option for the Friday and Saturday of this year's event and can be purchased from as little as £109.

Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, commented, "British fans found a new sporting hero in Lewis Hamilton last year and with Ross Brawn joining Jenson and Honda, and David Coulthard driving the first Adrian Newey-produced car, there are renewed levels of hope and expectation going into the new season. We are also hoping that Anthony Davidson.s seat at Super Aguri will be confirmed, taking the British contingency to four."

Phillips continued, "The FORMULA 1 SANTANDER BRITISH GRAND PRIX is one of the most exhilarating 'live' events on the UK sporting calendar and demand for tickets has reached record levels in recent months. Contrary to some reports, there are a number of tickets and hospitality packages still available. That said, if tickets continue to sell at the current rate, the event will sell out in advance.

"The success of Lewis Hamilton took FORMULA 1 to a much wider audience last year and that has had a positive impact on motorsport across the board. We strongly advise anyone planning on coming to this year's British Grand Prix to book their tickets as soon as possible."

While 2008 will no doubt provide another nail biting season of F1 action, this year also marks a special anniversary for Silverstone as the Northamptonshire circuit celebrates its Diamond Anniversary, marking 60 years since the first ever British Grand Prix in 1948. The circuit will confirm details of any 60th Anniversary related events throughout the season.

Tickets for the 2008 FORMULA 1 SANTANDER BRITISH GRAND PRIX are on sale 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can be booked at www.silverstone.co.uk, or by calling 08704 588 300. Booking fees do not apply when purchasing tickets online.

For enquiries on Official 2008 F1 hospitality packages, call 08704 588 230, or for information on the disabled facilities available, call 08704 588 232.

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For further media information please contact:

Dan Leach at Jardine International on 020 8607 3905, or email: dan.leach@jardine-international.com

For media accreditation for the 2008 FORMULA 1 SANTANDER BRITISH GRAND PRIX, 4 - 6

July A Media Accreditation application form for the FORMULA 1 SANTANDER BRITISH GRAND PRIX is now available.

Guidelines for media accreditation and an application form for UK-based media can be downloaded from the "MEDIA" section of the Motor Sports Association website at http://www.msaevents.co.uk:80/bgp/media.php, or can be sent by email on request from sbgp@jhmm.co.uk

The deadline for completed applications is Friday 6th June.

Note for Picture Editors and photographers: the FIA only provide 12 tabards for UK-based photographers at the British Grand Prix. Therefore, priority will be given to national publications with a substantial circulation, who confirm their intent to provide both an event preview and a race report.

For further information, please contact:
John Horton, National Press Officer, Santander British Grand Prix
Office tel: 0121 378 2828
Office fax: 0121 311 1779
Email: sbgp@jhmm.co.uk