This summer, Silverstone Festival (22–24 August) is set to dazzle motorsport fans as it celebrates a monumental milestone: the 75th anniversary of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. Among the highlights is a dedicated race for 500cc Formula 3 cars, marking the first time these pint-sized legends will headline the event.

A Nod to History

In 1950, Silverstone hosted the inaugural points-scoring Formula 1 Grand Prix. On that historic day, a support race for 500cc Formula 3 cars stole the spotlight with its thrilling action. These half-litre, motorcycle-engined marvels were game-changers.

With engines mounted behind the driver, they pioneered the rear-engine design now standard in Formula 1. The grid featured names like Stirling Moss and Peter Collins, both future British Grand Prix champions. These cars were a proving ground for budding drivers and engineers alike.

Reliving the 1950 Thrills

The 1950 support race delivered unforgettable drama. A pair of five-lap heats culminated in a nail-biting ten-lap final. Stirling Moss, racing a Cooper-JAP, faced stiff competition from Wing-Commander Frank Aikens in a unique Triumph-engined IOTA. After swapping positions throughout the race, Moss was denied victory due to a piston failure on the final corner.

Fast forward 75 years, and the Silverstone Festival 2025 will see these nostalgic machines return to the track. This dedicated 500cc race will honour their legacy, with a massive 54-car grid featuring entries from ten countries, including France, Sweden, and the US. Fans can expect a diverse lineup of marques, including Cooper, Kieft, and IOTA.

A Milestone Celebration

Duncan Rabagliati of the 500 Owners Association shared his excitement:
“The response has been phenomenal. This is the first dedicated 500cc F3 race on Silverstone’s Grand Prix circuit since the 1950s. It’s a chance for drivers to emulate the heroics of those early Grand Prix legends and for enthusiasts to appreciate this affordable branch of historic racing.”

Nick Wigley, event director, added:
“Silverstone is the birthplace of Formula 1, and this race is a perfect way to celebrate the championship’s 75th anniversary. It’s a nostalgic treat for fans and a testament to the enduring appeal of these pioneering machines.”

Beyond the 500cc Race

The Silverstone Festival 2025 promises a packed weekend of action. Alongside the 500cc race, fans can look forward to:

GT3 Legends Showdown: Featuring competition supercars from marques like Ferrari, McLaren, and Lamborghini, covering the golden years of 2006–2015.

Formula Libre Double-Header: A thrilling mix of single-seaters from historic eras, including F2, F3, and V8-powered F5000.

With 20 races on the programme, the event offers something for everyone. From iconic historic cars to modern classics, the variety ensures a spectacle across all three days.

Tickets and Savings

Don’t miss the chance to experience motorsport history at unbeatable prices.

For full ticket details and more information, visit the Silverstone Festival website.

Join the Conversation

Are you as excited as we are for this year’s Silverstone Festival? Which race are you most looking forward to? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Silverstone Festival 2025: Celebrating 75 Years of Racing Excellence appeared first on My Car Heaven.