Nelson and Silverstone

Silverstone is one of Nelson’s favourite circuits. The first time that he drove at this famous circuit was in 2003 during a British Formula 3 race . Beside the British formula 3 races, Nelson also drove GP2 races at the British circuit.


In 2003, Nelson started in the British Formula 3 championship for Piquet Sports and the race at the Silverstone circuit was the ninth race of the season. The race weekend before (Knockhill) was the first victory in the British Formula 3 for Nelson Piquet. Nelson drove for the first time a race at the Silverstone track in May 2003 and made his debut with a pole position, the quickest lap during the race and a victory. During the second race of the weekend Nelson again gained pole position and during the race he finished sixth. In 2004 Nelson raced three times in Silverstone. He won one time, had two pole positions and two quickest laps.

In 2005 Nelson competed in the GP2 series and he qualified for the first time on the front row (second position) at the Silverstone circuit. In 2006 Nelson had his first Formula 1 test for the Mild Seven Renault F1 team at the Silverstone circuit. Nelson tested in September 2006 three days for his new team and was quickest during two days! Also in October 2006 Nelson tested two days with the Renault F1 team and again he was the quickest driver.

Last year Nelson drove for the first time a Formula 1 race at the Silverstone track. He gained his best start position in 2008 in Silverstone where he started 7th. Nelson drove a very good race on a wet track, but retired in lap 35 after a spin. At that moment he was fourth.

Nelson’s Silverstone Facts

2003 British Formula 3
- Race 1: [i]Qualification[/i]: Pole Position, Race: Victory
- Race 2: [i]Qualification[/i]: Pole Position, Race: sixth

2004 British Formula 3
- Race 1: Qualification: third, Race: third
- Race 2: Qualification: Pole Position, Race: Victory
- Race 3: Qualification: Pole Position, Race: fourth

2005 GP2
- Race 1: Qualification: second, Race: Retirement
- Race 2: Qualification: / (depend on race result) , Race: Retirement

2006 GP2
- Race 1: Qualification: fourth, Race: fourth
- Race 2: Qualification: / (depend on race result), Race: fifth

2006 Formula One Test (Mild Seven Renault F1)
- 19 September: fourth
- 20 September: quickest
- 21 September: quickest
- 11 October: quickest
- 12 October: quickest

2007 Formula One Test (ING Renault F1)
- 21 June: fourth

2008 Formula One (ING Renault F1)
Qualification: 7th, Race: Retirement