Silverstone Circuits Limited, and its owner the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC), today opened the circuit's state-of-the-art new Pit, Paddock and Conference complex - The Silverstone Wing.

His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, KG, who is also President in Chief of the BRDC, formally opened the new building that represents the second stage of a multi-million pound investment and heralds an exciting new era for British motor sport.

The official opening ceremony took guests on an evocative journey through the history of Silverstone, including appearances by many of the biggest names in the history of British motor sport. Five of Britain's six living Formula World Champions - John Surtees OBE, Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, Nigel Mansell OBE, Damon Hill OBE and Jenson Button MBE - were in attendance, along with fellow Formula One luminaries, Sir Stirling Moss, Sir Frank Williams, Christian Horner, Ross Brawn, David Coulthard and Murray Walker.

The worlds of MotoGP and World Superbikes were also represented at the launch, by a host of Britain's best riders, including Cal Crutchlow, Jonathan Rea and James Toseland, who showed their support for their home circuit and the stunning new facility.

The 'show' element of the opening ceremony culminated with a focus on the present and future of Silverstone, which was represented by three current greats of world motor sport. Britain's most recent Formula One World Champion, Jenson Button, was joined on stage by nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi, before 2010 Formula 1 British Grand Prix winner Mark Webber brought things to a close by driving his Red Bull Racing Formula One car into The Wing and coming to a stop in the middle of the room.

All of the drivers and riders paid tribute to the impressive new facility, which will host its first major motor sport event, the FIA GT1 World Championship, on 03-05 June. This will be quickly followed by three of Silverstone's biggest events of the year; the AirAsia British Grand Prix (MotoGP), the Formula One British Grand Prix and the British round of the FIM Superbike World Championship.

More than 800 guests were present to witness the formalities, including the great and good of British motor sport, local dignitaries, motor sport governing bodies, BRDC members and media. Following the opening ceremony the guests enjoyed exploring the new complex, which includes 41 garages, a race control building, a podium, media centre, hospitality and VIP spectator zones.

With three large halls, a conference facility, business centre and a 100-seat auditorium, the Silverstone Wing has also been designed to accommodate conferences, product launches and experiential events, and will be the largest covered exhibition space between London and Birmingham.

"Today was a very important day in the history of the British Racing Drivers' Club and Silverstone Circuit", said Damon Hill. "The official opening of the Silverstone Wing represents the culmination of many years hard work and gives a clear statement of intent for the future. We are honoured that our President in Chief, His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent, KG generously agreed to perform the opening ceremony.