Škoda becomes official partner of Silverstone
Škoda has become the official car partner to Silverstone in a deal that will see the Czech brand join forces with the home of British motorsport. Škoda, which enjoys a rich motorsport heritage dating back more than 120 years, will work closely with the Northamptonshire-based circuit over the course of the next 12 months and play a key role in logistics operations at the forthcoming Formula 1 Qatar Airways British Grand Prix in July.
At the heart of the partnership will be Škoda’s all-electric Enyaq, which will provide electric mobility for Silverstone’s key stakeholders. A fleet of the multi-award-winning models will be supplied by Škoda, enabling Silverstone to become a more sustainable operation. The circuit has recently installed 24 electric car chargers as part of its mission to cut carbon emissions and encourage more sustainable transport options.
Silverstone’s new Enyaq fleet will also play a starring role at the Formula 1 Qatar Airways British Grand Prix in July - round 12 of the 2024 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. A fleet of 30 Enyaqs will be used for VIP and hospitality chauffeuring throughout the four-day event, which is regarded as one of the biggest and most important dates on the racing calendar. In 2023, more than 480,000 fans and guests attended the race weekend, with a similar number expected for the 2024 race.
In addition to supplying a fleet of Enyaqs, Škoda will also have a brand experience stand featuring Gran Turismo 7 racing simulators. These will give racegoers the chance to drive the incredible Škoda Vision GT on a virtual version of the Silverstone course. Launched earlier this year, the Vision GT was specifically created for Gran Turismo 7 and features design cues that pay homage to classic Škoda racing cars, including the iconic 1100 OHC ‘Red Racer’.
Commenting on the announcement of the new partnership, Pietro Panarisi, Head of PR & Communications at Škoda UK, said: “We’re thrilled to be involved with Silverstone, one of the biggest and most famous names in motorsport. Like Silverstone, Škoda has an incredible motorsport pedigree but an eye to the future and a passion for sustainability.”
Nick Read, Chief Commercial Officer at Silverstone, added: “We are delighted to announce Škoda as the official car partner to Silverstone, a company that has truly embraced our sustainability objectives as we continue on our Shift to Zero journey. This partnership with Škoda is a significant step as we transition to a greener fleet of vehicles and continue to put sustainability at the heart of all we do at Silverstone.”
The Formula 1 Qatar Airways British Grand Prix takes place between 4-7 July 2024.