Silverstone - broadcasting to the fans

THE Silverstone racing circuit - home of the British Grand Prix - has announced plans to provide spectators with live television programming - at the race track. All the spectators need is a portable hand-held TV set.

The first event to be covered in this way was last weekend's DHL International Race Day during which Silverstone TV provided TV coverage, which coordinated with the public address system and with Radio Silverstone, ensuring that TV pictures corresponded to the words of the commentators.

Silverstone has invested nearly $500,000 in the TV station, which needs a special license to broadcast and a production crew of 40. Silverstone is now negotiating with TV rental companies to see if they can set up portable TV shops around the track so spectators can hire hand-held TVs at the British GP in July.