Apology from track boss

Muddy: Silverstone's car parks were reduced to quagmires by the rain

Silverstone managing director Richard Phillips has issued an "unreserved apology" to Formula One fans after Friday's traffic mayhem.

Thousands of fans were left stranded in traffic jams outside the Northamptonshire track as the first two practice sessions took place ahead of Sunday's British Grand Prix.

The car parks were reduced to quagmires following constant rain and Silverstone were forced to open grassed parking areas that were being preserved for the weekend.

"I feel very responsible for it, this is something I've been very proud of over the years and I almost could cry now."
Richard Phillips Quotes of the week

Instead, it has resulted in Silverstone losing half of its parking space due to the damage caused, and fans with tickets for public car parks on Saturday are being asked not to turn up.

"We've been in emergency meetings every two hours today with the police, highways agencies, county council, emergency planning to try and resolve the issues," said Phillips.

"But on Saturday there will be 20,000 to 30,000 people we won't be able to properly cater for.

Costly

"It's going to cost us a lot of money. I honestly don't know the figure, but it could be a lot more than hundreds of thousands.

"For people who did not get in we're offering refunds, and for anybody who doesn't get in on Saturday we'll be offering refunds as well.

"Right now we're trying to get ourselves into a situation to get in as many people as we can from a position of devastation.

"But I unreservedly apologise to people. I feel very responsible for it, this is something I've been very proud of over the years and I almost could cry now."

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