Silverstone has been awarded £9.1 million in funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (part of the National Lottery) to help develop a motorsport museum.
The Northamptonshire circuit, home to the British Grand Prix, will be required to submit detailed plans for the museum to the HLF, a process which will also be funded by lottery.
The development, expected to cost £20 million, will house a unique and extensive collection of cars, tell the history of motorsport and F1 at the circuit and will include a cinema designed to give viewers the thrill of driving the circuit in an F1 car.
Speaking about the news, Sir Jackie Stewart described the grant as “hugely important” to Britain’s motorsport history.
“I am very pleased to hear that such an important initiative is underway,” he said. “Silverstone holds a unique place in the history of motorsport; having hosted the first ever World Championship Grand Prix in 1950.
“Silverstone holds special memories for me as I am proud to have won the British Grand Prix in 1969 and 1971.
“This grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund is hugely important as a first step in helping the British Racing Drivers’ Club and Silverstone to ensure that the heritage of the site and that of British motorsport can reach a far wider audience than before and cements its importance for future generations.”
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