This weekend sees the MotoGP™ grid descend once again on the Silverstone circuit to fight it out for top honours at the Hertz British Grand Prix, where Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jorge Lorenzo will be looking to extend his 20 point lead over rival Casey Stoner.With more than 60 years of history Silverstone has become one of the most prestigious venues dedicated to motorsport. Completely revamped in recent years, a multimillion pound investment saw the completion in 2010 of a first phase of works to greatly improve the venue, making it one of the fastest tracks on the MotoGP calendar and earning high praise from the World Championship riders who enjoyed the new layout. The ‘Silverstone Wing’, a state-of-the-art, multi-million pound new Pit and Paddock Complex, will welcome MotoGP in 2011, thus adding to already breathtaking facilities at Silverstone. Following a gap of 23 years, this is now the third year back at the circuit, which was the first mainland track to host a British motorcycle Grand Prix in 1949, after it was moved away from the Isle of Man TT circuit on safety grounds.

Repsol Honda Team’s Stoner enjoyed one of his most dominant victories in the wet at the track last year, yet will no doubt face a stern challenge from Lorenzo, who has won the last two races. Lorenzo, who will have the championship firmly in his sights, could also alter the history books with a win or a podium this weekend, by either equalling Stoner’s 42 wins, or securing his 50th premier-class podium.

Sitting third in the championship, Stoner’s teammate Dani Pedrosa should be buoyed by his second place in the last race at Catalunya, yet at the test following the race he voiced his discontent at the new front tyre, which will be used as standard from the British Grad Prix.

Abraham to participate at Silverstone despite double fracture

The final decision to race on legendary Silverstone circuit will be done in Britain after consultation with doctors.

Karel Abraham

“I´m leaving to Silverstone on Wednesday after a medical examination. We´ll try to put out the splint and we´ll see if the movements with the hand will be painful and if the cut fingers won´t bleed again. I really would like to race at Silverstone. We need to collect another points in championship and I´ll do everything to be at the track. On the other side it would be irresponsible to race at all costs, risking that the healing will take longer. There´s a series of four races starting by Assen and it would be really catastrophe to lose these races.”

The Track :

Circuit info :

Length: 5.900 m. / 3,666 miles

Width: 17m

Left corners: 8

Right corners: 10

Longest straight: 770 m. / 0,478 miles

Constructed: 1948

Modified: 2011

Records :

Records	Season	Rider	Motorcycle	Time	Speed
MotoGP
Fastest Lap	2011	Casey STONER (AUS)	Honda	2’02.020	174.1 km/h
Circuit Record	2010	Jorge LORENZO (SPA)	Yamaha	2’03.526	172.0 km/h
Best Pole	2011	Casey STONER (AUS)	Honda	2’02.020	174.1 km/h
Top Speed	2010	Dani PEDROSA (SPA)	Honda		323.9 km/h