Gallery: Silverstone MotoGP madness

128,400 people turned out to watch the British round of the MotoGP World Championship from a sun-kissed Silverstone last weekend.

The Northamptonshire-based track enjoyed near perfect weather throughout the weekend and an estimated 2000 people had already arrived at the nearby Woodlands campsite on Wednesday alone, ready for a long weekend of motorsport and partying.

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Although free practice didn’t begin until Friday, fans were able to enjoy a variety of activities during the build-up, including the traditional ‘Day of Champions’ charity auction on Thursday afternoon, which was in aide of MotoGP’s official charity, Two Wheels for Life.

Suzuki also hosted a ride out with 1993 500GP World Champion Kevin Schwantz on Friday morning, from the Super Sausage Café in Towcester, back to the track.

With so much to see and do away from the racing, Motorcycle News was on site from Thursday to Sunday, exploring the event behind the scenes and meeting the fans to find out why the MotoGP at Silverstone is so important to them.

This included Phil Hopo, who travels all over Europe following the sport in his distinctive yellow van, which he has decorated in Jorge Lorenzo colours.

“The campsite is the best place ever. A lot of people say that Donington is a better bike track, but this is definitely a better venue. What a lot of people don’t see is the whole thing. We are all getting up together, washing together and hanging together! You don’t see that on the TV.” Phil said.

Partner’s James Robertson, 43, and Joanne Bond, 36, were also there all weekend and had travelled down from Sheffield on James’ Honda VTR1000.

Joanne said: “I’ve been to three GPs in the UK and I think it’s great. It’s motorbikes and good weather, you can’t really fault it!”

The following images were taken during our weekend of exploring. Feel free to take a browse and see if you can spot yourself!

Photos: James Archibald

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