The history of Silverstone explored in new BBC podcast
The Total Sports Podcast, Corner By Corner: Silverstone explores the home of British motor racing 75 years on from the first British Grand Prix.
Some of UK motor racing’s most thrilling events that have taken place on the historic circuit are looked at in the new series.
Trawling the Silverstone archives for stories and using specially created sound production, each of the five, 15-minute episodes takes listeners on a journey through a different incident that happened on the racetrack.
In one episode Silverstone’s archivist Stephanie Sykes-Dugmore goes back in time to the first ever post-war race on the former second world war airfield. In 1948 it was a bend known as Maggots corner that would almost cost gentleman racer, Geoffrey Ansell his life.
Stephanie says: “Everyone was very matter a fact about it. Even in the race report – people were just like yes, he had an accident, he went over some hay bales he was flung from his car and he went home for his tea, and that was very much how they reported it.”
In another episode, Claire Williams, one of the stars of Netflix documentary’ “Drive to Survive” and former Deputy Team Principal for Williams, evokes the high-pressure atmosphere in the pits where the support teams are stationed.
Another features fan Toby Nixon who was fifteen when he saw title rivals Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton crash, sending the Dutchman into the barriers at Copse Corner in 2021.
This was the first race Toby attended, it was a moment that captured the compassionate spirit of F1 motorsport fans: “There was a real sense of worry that went around. There was a big collective relief when Max got out of the car.”
The series is hosted and produced by F1 devotee and podcaster, the BBC’s Ollie Peart with trackside contributions from motorsport influencer and racer, Becky Evans, aka Queen B.
Ollie said: “We’ve worked with Silverstone to bring F1 and motorsport fans a unique perspective on this circuit which they probably haven’t heard before.
“From what it’s like to be in the biggest pile up in F1 history to how it feels to be team principal on the pit wall making big decisions, we have uncovered some special stories.
“This is a celebration of an iconic racetrack, 75 years on from its inception, and the people who’ve helped make it what it is today.”
Shahid Hussain, Executive Editor, says: “Some of the greatest Formula One stories have taken place at Silverstone right in the heart of Northamptonshire.
“Telling these tales from the tarmac where they actually happened adds an extra dimension to this podcast. BBC Radio Northampton has worked extremely closely with Silverstone and each episode is a visceral experience, bringing iconic moments on the track to life.”
The Total Sports Podcast, Corner By Corner: Silverstone is available on BBC Sounds from today, Monday 3 July and each episode will also be on BBC Radio Northampton at 6.30pm, Monday to Friday.