Setting the scene for Britain

A year ago, the FIA/FOTA conflict reached an acrimonious peak at what should have been Silverstone's last grand prix. Edd Straw reflects on what has changed in the last 12 months

Twelve months ago, Silverstone was a very different place – both literally and metaphorically.

A few miles to the north, Donington Park was being laid waste to as Simon Gillett dug towards an ultimately unfulfilled dream of a British Grand Prix that might have buried the race forever. Inside the paddock, the FIA v FOTA war boiled over and a breakaway championship was announced following a meeting down the road at Renault's Enstone base. Formula 1 had been shrouded by dark clouds that made the race itself – won by Sebastian Vettel – was almost invisible.

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