For obvious reasons, the British Grand Prix is one of the stand-out races of the season for everyone at the McLaren Honda team, and not only because they are a British team.
From a fan perspective, it means incredible enthusiasm and support, huge crowds and a passionate audience, the like of which we don't often see at any other venue.
The Silverstone racetrack is also the stuff of legends, with its infamous corners – Copse, Becketts, Stowe – and it's a circuit that has tested many a champion and delighted fans with its epic racing. It's tough, too: high-speed, challenging, and very demanding on both the car and the driver – especially with the 2017 cars, which promise to look spectacular around this track.
While it won't be the easiest of circuits on which the team will put the MCL32 to the test, Stoffel Vandoorne is immensely looking forward to the typically awesome atmosphere that the team enjoys every year at Silverstone from the relentlessly vocal and passionate British fans, who never fail to lift them and carry them through the weekend. They will work as hard as ever, and hope to put on a good show for their loyal fans, colleagues, partners and guests alike.
“I'm really looking forward to going to the British Grand Prix for the first time as part of a British team,” Stoffel said. “At McLaren Honda, we are lucky that we receive amazing support from fans all over the world, but I know that the atmosphere at Silverstone is extra special. I've raced in the UK a number of times and I spend a lot of time there with the team, so it does feel like a second home to me now.”
“The track is really fun to drive – very fast and tricky in places, especially at the start of the lap, and then the last sector with its infield section requires a different set of skills and a stable, responsive car. I'm looking forward to seeing how our car behaves, particularly in those sections, and hopefully we can stand our ground against our nearest rivals. “
“I've stood on the Silverstone podium twice in GP2 and it was a great feeling. I hope I can have a positive weekend there again and have a smooth run up to Sunday, so we can maximise the package that we have. I feel comfortable in the car and we're definitely making progress, so the aim is to be able to show that in front of the loyal fans and make the most of the weekend.”
