One of the most impressive sights at each British Grand Prix is not of the four wheeled variety, but rather the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, more commonly known as The Red Arrows. The Red Arrows were formed in 1964, bringing together a series of RAF display teams that started in 1920. The Red Arrows are always impressive, and the half hour show that they provide around Silverstone just before the Grand Prix each year is remarkably impressive. This year’s display was somewhat different, being interrupted in the middle of the show by an aircraft that had strayed into their reserved airspace. This caused a short delay, and I imagine that the civilian pilot passing through had the shock of their life when a number of high speed aircraft passed by.
The team provide various aerial stunts and manoeuvres, whilst trailing red, white and blue smoke in a rather patriotic fashion. All of the pilots are serving members of the RAF who have completed tours of duty normally in fighter aircraft. One of the team was standing on the roof of the Brooklands building, providing a commentary for those watching, with some radio contact with the pilots themselves. The display team swoop back and forwards over the circuit in various formations and performing stunts before splitting into Enid (Red 1-5) and Gypo (Red 6-9) for some more stunts. Red 6 and 7 are the Synchro Pair, and treat the crowd to even more close flying and impressive stunts right over the Silverstone complex.
Unlike 2012, the crowd at the 2013 British Grand Prix were lucky enough to see at least some of the display with a pleasant blue sky behind the aircraft.
The Red Arrows are, for me, a real highlight of the whole British Grand Prix weekend, and I am always impressed with the quality of their flying. Here are some of my photos from the 2013 Grand Prix, I hope that you like them.
There is an index of my photos from the weekend here
