A year ago, it looked as if Silverstone was going to be an afterthought on this year's Formula One calendar. Donington was looking strong to host the Grand Prix of Great Britain, but financial issues derailed that plan late last year. In the end, Silverstone received a price cut from what F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone originally was demanding, and the classic circuit will remain on the calendar through at least 2026.

The track is one of just four on this year's schedule that hosted a grand prix in F1's maiden year in 1950. Although money is what ultimately runs any sport, an original track such as Silverstone has arguably earned the right to a price break, and it's not unprecedented -- historic Monaco pays no hosting fee, and Monza pays a limited one. If F1 wants to continue to appeal to the masses, the sport is smart to retain some classic venues, especially as the balancing act between new and old continues to get trickier.

F1 circuits on 2010 calendar to host race in 1950
Circuit -- Races hosted
Monza -- 59
Monaco -- 57
Silverstone -- 44 including this year
Spa -- 42

One of the fastest tracks on the schedule sees a new layout before the start/finish line, increasing the track length to nearly six kilometers. That means Silverstone is now the third-longest track behind Spa and Bahrain. Sebastian Vettel is the defending race winner and just the second driver from Germany to win this event, alongside Michael Schumacher. In regard to driver nationality, this used to be a track where local drivers -- relatively speaking -- were very successful, but it has not played out that way recently. Since 2001, only one driver -- Lewis Hamilton in 2008 -- from Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) has won this event. Compare that with the 15 winners from Great Britain in the venue's first thirty-four races.

In recent years, this event has favored variety, as there have been seven consecutive different winners, the longest such active streak of any track. Nevertheless, many of the top drivers from Great Britain have won here; Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill, as well as names such as Peter Collins and David Coulthard.

One driver who is certainly focused on the present rather than the past is Karun Chandhok. The HRT pilot told ESPNF1 this week that he is facing competition for his seat, and it would frankly be surprising if he competed in Formula One next season. Chandhok entered this year in an unenviable spot; his team is understandably very slow, and as talented a driver as he may be, his prime appeal was major sponsor backing.