Where Is The Next MotoGP British Grand Prix Being Held?

Learn more about the unique track that plays host to the racing event.

On Sunday, the MotoGP British Grand Prix will take place, marking the 12th of 22 races in the 2026 calendar. While the festival itself runs from the 7th of August, the big headline news is that the event will be hosted at Silverstone once more, after a historic 16-year run. 

While Silverstone was the original home of the British Grand Prix from 1977 until 1986, it wasn’t until 2010 that the race returned home. Although it was Donington Park that hosted the event for all those years, fans can likely agree that it is Silverstone that has created the most memories. 

But what makes Silverstone so iconic? Well, many would point to its unique origin story, and so we’re exploring the construction of one of Britain’s best racing sites. 

During The War…

During World War II, the site of Silverstone was used as an RAF bomber station. However, as the conflict came to a close, the location seemed like the perfect space to build something more celebratory. So, work began to alter the site just enough to transform it into the race track we know today. 

With the very first race beginning in 1947, the set-up was primitive but got the job done. It wasn’t until the 1990s that the track would go through its most astounding redesign, with curves like Maggots and Beckett added to bring extra complexity. 

Later Expansions

In 2009, Silverstone would undergo yet another shift as work began on the Silverstone Wing. Opening in 2011, Populous put together the £27 million complex, which consisted of new media centres, garages and an auditorium. 

By 2019, the Silverstone Experience had also been built for £20 million. With an old aircraft hangar holding the guest attraction, the addition marks a turning point for Silverstone as it honours its heritage. 

With multiple new projects still in development, it seems that the site’s history is heavily reliant not just on the racers but also on the construction experts who have allowed Silverstone to continue evolving. With an estimated 500 construction jobs created by Silverstone per year, the track’s future is safe in their hands.