Cheering fans drowned out by the roar of engines is the soundtrack to Silverstone.

And in 2018, the home of British motorsport is celebrating 70 years since the first Grand Prix was held at the famous circuit.

Italian Luigi Villoresi powered to victory in a Maserati in that inaugural race, which has since been won by the great and good of Formula 1 racing. Jim Clark, Alain Prost and Lewis Hamilton have each recorded five victories.

This year’s Silverstone Classic, the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival, is hosting a feast of Formula 1-themed celebrations in honour of the anniversary and former Formula 1 racing star Jackie Oliver believes the nature of the competition makes it as exciting as it has ever been.

“I drove in 60 Grand Prix in the 60s and the 70s for nearly every Formula 1 team that was around then,” said Oliver, who also claimed the Le Mans title in 1969.

“The British Grand Prix were in two locations back then, in alternate years at Brands Hatch and at Silverstone.

“The name of the game is still the same, it's just the type of cars and the guys that drive them have changed and it's still just as exciting.”

Australian Mark Webber, who won the event in 2010 and 2012, believes the history of the track makes it an extra special venue for racing compared to other circuits.

“That's an incredible journey at one venue,” he said. “I don't know how many other tracks have that amount of history and there are a lot of special tracks around the world.

“We're pretty fortunate to have one here in the UK, at Silverstone, and to have such great history.

“There’s an incredible amount of energy and passion that has gone throughout those 70 years.”

This year’s Silverstone Classic, from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 July, also celebrates the 60th anniversary of the formation of the British Touring Car Championship, while there will also be the Daytona at Dusk celebration of endurance racing on the Saturday.

Thousands are expected to descend on the home of British motorsport for the cream of historic racing action, featuring Formula 1, sports, GT and touring cars and unrivalled fan access to paddocks.

And Jeremy Vaughan, head of motoring at the Royal Automobile Club, believes there is no better place to sample the delights of all things motorsport than the famous circuit.

 “It will be a very, very special moment to be here celebrating the race. It’s one of the only trophies which doesn’t go to the driver,” he said.

“If you look at what the circuit was in 1948 which was basically an airfield with a few hay bales, to what it is now – the investment is amazing.

“It’s amazing that the UK still has a Grand Prix and I hope that will continue forever – it’s an important part of our DNA.

“The British fans are some of the most enthusiastic you get around the world. If you think we’re surrounded by F1 manufactures, that’s why it’s the home of motor racing and always will be.”

The Silverstone Classic (July 20-22 2018) provides the best historic motor racing, unrivalled paddock access, impressive track parades, infield displays from over 100 car clubs, live music, vintage funfair, plus interactive driving activities and dynamic demonstrations over a packed three-day weekend. For details of all tickets, visit www.silverstoneclassic.com