Silverstone looking to increase capacity

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In its efforts to keep up with the rising costs of organising the British GP, Silverstone is planning to add an additional capacity of 25,000 seats over the next three years.

This year's event attracted a strong race-day crowd of 139,000 spectators, a number which fell just short of the 2015 attendance.

Silverstone's managing director, Patrick Allen believes this year's race was profitable after recording a profit to the bottom line in 2015 for the first time in ten years.

Allen is looking not only to increase capacity but also at bring race fans closer to the action.

"Budget allowing I'd like to get the crowd closer to the track action, and this is where we are in discussions with the FIA and Charlie Whiting," Allen told Autosport.

"So for instance at Becketts, and down the National pit straight, I want to bring the grandstands in. I'm currently looking at that.

"If we could do that it would be more exciting for the fans and drivers. They would feel like they are driving through an arena all the way around the circuit, rather than seeing the crowd from a distance.

"We can also put more grandstands in, but it's not cheap to do that. Initially we can do more with our existing ones, and if we can get them closer to the track then that will allow for further capacity.

"We've currently around 65,000 seats, and I'd like to see that climb to nearer 90,000. That will probably be phased in over three years. If we get a slug of investment money, then who knows, we might be able to do it sooner."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.