Key facts
| Address | Brands Hatch Circuit, Fawkham, Longfield, Kent, DA3 8NG |
| Capacity | 150,000 |
| Build Date | 1926 |
| Where is Brands Hatch located? | 51°21′24″N 0°15′45″E |
Description
Brands Hatch was originally a Mushroom field and was spotted by cyclists on a 125 mile tour in 1926. They asked the farmer if they could use the field to practice on due to the cotours of the land – he agreed, the rest is history.
In 1928 motorcyclists used the circuit and there was the first competitive race there, although it was between cyclists and cross country runners.
Motorsport started at Brands Hatch after the end of the second world war, a stadium being built in 1947 and the track improved to allow motor cars in 1950.
Brands Hatch hosted the British Grand Prix for the first time in 1965 and was to hold it every other year, alternating with Silverstone until 1986.
Brands Hatch now concentrates on motorbike racing.
FAQ
Brands Hatch is a motor racing circuit located in Kent, England. It’s one of the most famous and challenging racing tracks in the United Kingdom, hosting various national and international motorsport events.
Brands Hatch was first used as a grass track motorcycle circuit in 1926. It was paved in 1950, marking the beginning of its use as a modern racing circuit.
The name “Brands Hatch” predates the racing circuit. It comes from an old English word “Brondehach,” meaning “wooded slope.” This refers to the circuit’s location on a natural amphitheater formed by the surrounding hillsides.
Brands Hatch hosts a variety of motorsport events, including:
British Touring Car Championship (BTCC);
British Superbike Championship;
British F3 and GT Championships;
historic racing events;
truck racing It has also previously hosted Formula One Grand Prix races.
Brands Hatch has two layout configurations:
The Grand Prix Circuit: 3.908 km (2.433 miles);
The Indy Circuit: 1.929 km (1.198 miles).
Brands Hatch is known for its challenging layout, including:
Paddock Hill Bend: A steep, plunging right-hander that’s considered one of the most thrilling corners in motorsport.
Druids: A tight hairpin bend that’s a key overtaking spot.
Graham Hill Bend: A tricky left-hander named after the famous British racing driver.
While Brands Hatch doesn’t have a traditional stadium-style seating arrangement, it offers excellent spectator viewing. The natural amphitheater layout provides many grassy banks and viewing areas where spectators can watch the races. There are also some grandstands available for certain events.
Here are a couple of interesting facts:
The elevation change on the circuit is 41.8 meters (137 feet).
The lap record for the Grand Prix layout is 1:22.000, set by Nigel Mansell in a Williams-Honda in 1986 during the last F1 British Grand Prix held at the circuit.
