• British Grand Prix

Silverstone eyeing Hamilton and Button revival

ESPN Staff
May 2, 2013 « Parr expecting Williams recovery | Massa eyeing return to front »
Problems due to poor weather in 2012 coupled with a lack of British winners this year is hitting ticket sales at Silverstone © Sutton Images
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Silverstone admits its ticket sales for the British Grand Prix have been affected by a lack of success for Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button so far this season.

Neither driver has won a race this season, and while Hamilton has enjoyed a relatively strong start with his new team Mercedes, Button has struggled in an uncompetitive McLaren up to this point. Speaking at a media event at Silverstone, British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) president Derek Warwick said ticket sales would be helped by an upturn in fortunes for the two British world champions.

"If Lewis or Jenson can start winning from Barcelona next weekend, and we all know the way McLaren can turn the car around, that would make a massive difference to us," Warwick said. "That's a big hope for us for sure."

Silverstone managing director Richard Phillips added that Red Bull dominance would also not help ticket sales.

"Obviously British drivers have a massive effect so if you can get both or one of them consistently on the podium then that does help enormously," Phillips said. "But people also like to see the mix. Vettel is doing extremely well and so are Red Bull. Personally I think he is a great driver and I love Red Bull but it would be nice if they didn't win all the time!

"Ticket sales are not as good as they were last year. They are not drastic, but they are down a bit, and we could do with some help."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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