Formula 1: Silverstone rooting for British duo

SILVERSTONE officials have fingers crossed Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button can recapture the winning habit in a bid to ramp up ticket sales ahead of next month’s British Grand Prix.

Managing director Richard Phillips has revealed the uptake for the event that runs from 28-30 June is down in comparison to last year.

“Ticket sales are not as good as they were last year,” he said. “They are not drastic, but they are down a bit, and we could do with some help.”

Button has so far endured a woeful start for McLaren, claiming just 13 points. Hamiltonhas taken a pole position and two third places, but not enough to satisfy the fans it would seem. With three races to go ahead of the British GP – in Spain, Monaco and Canada – British Racing Drivers’ Club president Derek Warwick knows a victory for either would provide a lift.

“If Lewis and Jenson start winning from Barcelona – and we all know McLaren can turn around their car – that makes a massive difference for us,” said Warwick.