1948: The converted RAF World War Two bomber training base in Northamptonshire hosts its first Grand Prix on a 3.67-mile circuit. A lap record of 77mph is set by Luigi Villoresi in a Maserati.

1949: The Club chicane is removed, and the circuit assumes the 2.926-mile shape that would last for 25 years.

1950: Silverstone hosts the first race in Formula One World Championship history.

1951: The RAC gives up running of the circuit. The British Racing Drivers' Club takes up the lease and sets about turning the temporary airfield track into a more permanent circuit.

1971: BRDC purchases freehold of the entire 720-acre estate.

1973: South Africa's Jody Scheckter spins his McLaren leaving the sweeping high-speed Woodcote corner and triggering a multiple pile-up.

1975: First major change to circuit for over two decades with insertion of S-bend chicane at Woodcote in bid to slow speeds. Lap length now 2.932 miles.

1987: Sharp left-right corner inserted before Woodcote to trim speeds over start/finish line. Lap now 2.969 miles.

1992: Major revisions to track with new Becketts sequence and Vale link between Stowe and Club corners.

New section built after Abbey - a fast right-hander at Bridge followed by double left turns at Priory and double rights at Luffield.

1994: Further revisions to increase driver safety, including more gravel trap areas at Copse, Stowe, Vale, Abbey and Priory - completed in just 18 days.

1996: Revision to Stowe corner. New lap length is 3.152 miles.

1997: Major revisions to Copse Corner and the Priory, Brooklands and Luffield complex. Circuit now 3.194 miles.