The British GP

Sir, May I, through your columns, have an opportunity to publicly thank the Royal Automobile Club, Silverstone Circuits Limited, marshals and officials, for having made July 14th so memorable.

For reasons too well known, all those concerned with running the John Player Grand Prix were most thoroughly tested on the 14th, and I am sure I speak for the public when I say that their efforts are warmly appreciated.

Lastly, may I thank the drivers for giving us close and exciting racing in all the events.

Nottingham.

Michael Heppner,

Marketing and Sales Director,

John Player and Sons.

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Sir, My family and I visited the British GP at Silverstone. All being regular race-goers (at both home and abroad) we obtained tickets for the Woodcote Grandstand at a price of £4 per head.

During the morning’s racing one of us remarked about the number of vacant seats, which we all found very surprising in view of the fact that we had been told that all Grandstand seats had been sold.

Immediately before the start of the GP the mystery was solved. The seats were to be occupied by John Player “special” guests. It was apparent from their conversation that they knew little or nothing about what was going on and the whole thing was just one big social occasion.

The matter does not stop there. Not possessing the intelligence to find their own seats (all clearly lettered and numbered incidentally) two of these “special” guests took it upon themselves to endeavour to forcibly eject me from my seat upon the pretence that the lettering was confused. Their error was pointed out to them, in no uncertain terms, and no word of apology was offered. All this took place during the first two to three laps of the re-start of the race, which to say the least, were exciting.

One expects this behaviour at Monza but not at Silverstone.

The question I would like answered is two-fold. Firstly, who are these so-called “special” guests and secondly, why is it that they should have the privilege of these seats when real enthusiasts are forced to stand because the seats have all been “sold out”.

Highbury.

R.W. Dunn