When you think of the British Grand Prix and especially when it comes to the circuit, you probably think of Silverstone. You may even think of Brands Hatch which hosted the event in the 70’s and 80’s, or even Brooklands which hosted British Grand Prix’s in the 1920’s. However if I said to you Aintree, you probably would think of horse racing, and yet in the 1950’s and 1960’s the British Grand Prix was held on a purpose built circuit that was parallel and crossed the famous racecourse.
The first race held at Aintree was in 1955 where Sterling Moss, in a Mercedes, became the first British driver to win their home race. The sport would visit Aintree again in 1957 as it briefly alternated with Silverstone before hosting the British Grand Prix back to back in 1961 to 1962.
Since Jim Clark’s win in ’62, Formula One hasn’t visited the circuit, which has been partially closed since the 1980’s.
The Aintree circuit is interesting as it could be considered one of the safest circuits on the calendar during the 50’s and 60’s. The race was even changed to be run in a clockwise direction, having originally being intended to be run anti-clockwise, as it was considered safer.
The Motorsport Critic 