Prince Andrew goes for a spin

Apr 30, 2010, 13:03 GMT

Britain's Prince Andrew unveiled a new track layout at Silverstone race course yesterday (29.04.10).

The Duke of York - who was given a high-speed taste of the Northamptonshire venue - was guest of honour at the circuit as he unveiled a £5 million new track layout, the first phase of a redevelopment project that will eventually cost just under £40 million.

The duke emerged from the two-seater, 600hp car - after being chauffeured by ex-Formula One champion Damon Hill - to claim it was like being in a low level Tornado over the Scottish highlands.

He said: "It was quite an extraordinary experience. It is that sort of experience because you are being thrown about in the back, and you're relying on somebody else to do the driving. In that sense, I'm an aviator and I've experienced that sort of thing, but this was a completely different sensation.

"I liken it to probably being sat in the back seat of a Tornado at low level over the Scottish highlands. I understand why drivers lose so much weight during a race when they drive around a circuit 65 times."

The queen's second son also revealed he was keen to ensure the industry which currently exists around Silverstone continues to thrive.

He told the Daily Telegraph newspaper: "It's about encouraging industrial activity to take place here, but also about education. The whole idea behind this is to take young people, inspire them, give them the ability to follow that inspiration, and then execute it as they develop through their life."