Centenary celebrations for first British Grand Prix at Brooklands
The centenary of the first British Grand Prix held at Brooklands is being celebrated with special events and commemorations.
The Full Story
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Centenary celebrations for first British Grand Prix at Brooklands
The centenary of the first British Grand Prix was marked on Saturday with a special event at the Brooklands Museum in Surrey, where the original race took place 100 years ago. Nine drivers lined up for that first race, and only three finished. To commemorate the occasion, more than 100 cars were gathered at the museum, including one surviving car from the original starting line.
The Brooklands racecourse was purpose-built in 1907 and was known for its steep slopes. It could accommodate more than 280,000 spectators. The circuit was used until 1939, when the site was converted into an aviation hub in the lead-up to the Second World War. Organisers staged the original lineup from the first Grand Prix, although some of the cars were missing engines and could not move, let alone race.
Fans attending the event spoke about their love of racing history. One visitor said it was "really nice to hear the engines and hear what they used to sound like and also what they can do now." Another described getting "goosebumps" walking around the site, calling Brooklands "such a historic place in British motorsport, automotive and aircraft." The event gave motorsport fans a chance to see how far racing in Britain has come over the past century.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | ITV |
|---|---|
| Brooklands Museum gathered over 100 cars for the centenary, including a survivor from the original race. | |
| Brooklands race course was purpose-built in 1907, operated until 1939, then became an aviation hub. | |
| The Brooklands circuit operated until 1939, when the site became an aviation hub. | |
| The Brooklands racecourse was purpose-built in 1907 and could welcome more than 280,000 spectators. | |
| The first British Grand Prix took place 100 years ago today, with nine drivers and only three finishing. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
This segment frames the centenary as a nostalgic celebration, highlighting the historic significance of the original race and the rare surviving car. It also notes the transformation of the circuit into an aviation hub, and includes personal reactions from fans to emphasise the emotional connection to racing history.
- “100 years ago today, nine drivers readied themselves for the first ever Grand Prix in Britain. Only three finished.”
- “I don't think you can put it into words to say how significant it is to have one of the actual cars that race on the circuit in this place.”
- “I walk around, I get goosebumps because I mean, this place, Brooklands is such an historic place in British motorsport and automotive and aircraft.”
This segment similarly celebrates the centenary but places slightly more emphasis on the change in speed and technology since the first race. It also uses the same fan reactions but mentions the "roar of those old engines" as a draw for modern Formula One fans. The reporter's name is given as Isla Todd instead of Myla Todd.
- “100 years ago today, drivers raced in Britain's first ever Grand Prix.”
- “It's really nice to hear the engines and hear what they used to sound like and also what they can do now.”
- “I walk around and I get goosebumps because, I mean, this place, Brooklands, is such an historic place in British motorsport and automotive and aircraft and to have the very first British Grand Prix here is pretty insane.”
Broadcast Timeline
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