Damon Hill OBE, president of the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) and 1996 Formula 1 World Champion, joined Richard Phillips and his staff at Silverstone on Thursday to celebrate the circuit's Diamond Anniversary.

Hill and Phillips posed for photos with a 60th Birthday cake in the shape of the Northamptonshire circuit's famous Grand Prix track, before presenting it to staff from Silverstone and the BRDC. Damon Hill, Richard Phillips and staff at Silverstone celebrate the circuit's 60th Birthday.

Thursday 2 October marks 60 years since Luigi Villoresi won the inaugural RAC Grand Prix at Silverstone in 1948. Speaking at today's presentation, Damon Hill commented, "It is testimony to British motor sport that Silverstone is still going strong after 60 years. This is largely thanks to the support of fans, competitors, marshals and the motor sport community."

Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, added, "Silverstone is a unique race circuit, loved by many of the drivers and riders who race here. The greatest names in motor sport have all competed on this track, ranging from Luigi Villoresi who won the first ever Grand Prix in 1948, through to our very own Lewis Hamilton who won this year's British Grand Prix in July. There have also been numerous legends of both four and two-wheeled racing in between, and they are all part of Silverstone's rich heritage. "One such legend is Damon Hill, president of the BRDC and the last British driver to win the Formula 1 World Championship. We are delighted that Damon was able to join us at Silverstone today to help celebrate 60 years of this fantastic circuit."

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Notes to Editors

For further media information please contact:
Dan Leach at Jardine International on: 020 8607 3905, or email: dan.leach@jardine-international.com

Images available on request.

Silverstone Circuits Limited is the operator and promoter of Silverstone circuit and a member of the BRDC Group of Companies.

Silverstone is the host of the 2009 FORMULA 1 SANTANDER BRITISH GRAND PRIX and is recognised as the Home of British Motor Racing.

Silverstone stages some of the largest international and domestic motorsport series in the world, including the Silverstone Classic and rounds of the British Touring Car Championship, FIA GT Championship, British Superbike Championship and Le Mans Endurance Series.

Silverstone offers a variety of event and corporate facilities, including driving experiences, track days, hospitality opportunities and the Silverstone Motorsport Academy - the UK's leading race tuition and driver coaching centre.

Silverstone hosted its first Grand Prix in 1948, and was the venue for the first ever round of Formula One World Championship in 1950. Silverstone has been the only circuit to stage the FORMULA 1 BRITISH GRAND PRIX since 1986.

Silverstone remains one of the world's most recognisable racing venues.