FEW sporting occasions match the intensity and drama of the Santander British Grand Prix. Whether a wide-eyed first timer or seasoned veteran, the 'live' experience is simply breathtaking.

Appealing to crowds of more than 200,000, many of whom return each year to get their annual fix of high octane thrills, the British Grand Prix is one of the biggest sporting events on the UK sporting calendar.

The eyes of the motorsport world focus on Silverstone for all three days of the British Grand Prix as the Northamptonshire venue becomes a shop window for the Best of British motor racing.

The multi-million pound cast includes current and former drivers; F1 team bosses; the brightest engineers and mechanics in the world; and a celebrity guest list that suitably reflects the glamorous nature of this spectacular event.

The British Grand Prix on Sunday, July 8, is more than just an event. It is a sporting experience that awakens the senses, providing three days of non-stop entertainment and world class action.

It stands out in a great British summer of sport as the most exhilarating event on the calendar. It is a highly charged kaleidoscope of colour and sound, as the world’s best drivers tackle one of the toughest, most demanding race circuit’s in the world.

"It is a fantastic thing to be a British Grand Prix driver at your home Grand Prix," said Damon Hill, the 1996 world champion.

"Expectations are that much higher, and the atmosphere during the build up certainly gets the pulse beating that little bit quicker. The fans always get behind the British drivers and it takes your breath away when you look into the grandstands and see all the Union Jacks flying."

Anyone who's been to the British Grand Prix in recent years will know that Silverstone is now one of the easiest and quickest F1 circuits to get in and out of in the world.

The A43 dual carriageway, hard standing parking facilities, three day traffic management system and Grand Prix Park and Ride scheme have made traffic issues a thing of the past.

Just 65 miles from Birmingham and 80 miles from London, the circuit is easy to find, and is located between Junction 10 of the M40 and Junction 15a of the M1.

Fast trains from London Euston to Milton Keynes take just 30 minutes so it's possible to get to the circuit from the capital in under an hour.

"The venue and its facilities have changed beyond recognition since I was a driver," said Hill.

"I came by car last year and it was fantastic. It's still a common misconception that spectators have to endure long queues when driving to the Grand Prix – that is no longer the case.

"In fact, the number of drivers and VIP guests flying in and out of the circuit has fallen considerably, as many are now happy to drive."

Running alongside the on-track action, spectators are treated to a host of additional entertainment over all three days of the event.

From attending eagerly-awaited driver appearances and autograph sessions, to admiring the incredible Red Arrows fly past and taking part in live pit-stop challenges, there are numerous interactive activities to keep the entire family entertained all weekend long.

Last but not least, and ensuring a perfect ending to a perfect weekend, Silverstone invites all race day ticket holders to a free post-race Grand Prix party.

More than 20,000 fans stay behind for the end of weekend celebrations. Previous headline acts have included Status Quo, the Beach Boys and Jools Holland. However, it’s the on stage appearances by the F1 drivers themselves that keep the massive crowd partying.

PAST WINNERS:

2000: David Coulthard, McLaren-Mercedes

2001: Mika Häkkinen, McLaren-Mercedes

2002: Michael Schumacher, Ferrari

2003: Rubens Barrichello, Ferrari

2004: Michael Schumacher, Ferrari

2005: Juan Pablo Montoya, Williams

2006: Fernando Alonso, Renault

THE FACTS:

The track is 3.194 miles long and 15 metres wide. Drivers will complete 60 laps during the British GP (191.64 miles).

The average speed of an F1 Car around Silverstone is 135mph.

Copse is the fastest corner around Silverstone, with Formula One cars taking this bend at an average speed of 240km (150mph). Former F1 driver Juan-Pablo Montoya once said: "Copse sorts out the men from the boys."

Top speeds at Silverstone reach up to 293km/h (182mph).

At the inaugural race spectators were not allowed in the centre of the circuit because of potential damage to growing crops.

HOW MUCH?

An array of ticket types are available to choose from:

General admission: Fan tickets offer access to the whole of the outside of the circuit, providing spectators with the option to choose their own vantage point. With access to grandstands on Friday these passes are priced at £99 for all three days.

Grandstands: Catering for every taste and budget, from Bronze, Silver and Gold tickets right through to Platinum and the exclusive Club Silverstone, all grandstands offer good views of the circuit and provide the ideal vantage point to enjoy both the action and atmosphere of the British Grand Prix.

Family tickets: Recognising that there needs to be a more attractive entry level for families and younger fans coming into the sport, Silverstone has introduced Family Tickets for the Friday and Saturday of the 2007 Grand Prix.

A family of four (two adults and two children) can now enjoy Friday practice for £79, while a Family Ticket for qualifying on Saturday offers incredible value, priced at £139. Families are able to bring up to two extra children for an additional cost of £10 per child on the Friday and £20 per child on the Saturday.