We only need to look at the recent redesign of our website to appreciate that many people do not like change. Perhaps that explains why we at Pitpass still can't get used to the new look Silverstone.

We're not sure why, but the Buckinghamshire track seems to have lost some of its unique charm, in many ways becoming just another one of those shiny new circuits, though one is positive that the public toilets are as dire and slippery as ever.

While the Maggots complex is as challenging as ever, other parts seem emasculated, the track appears to have lost its flow.

Nonetheless, since the first World Championship Formula One Grand Prix here in 1950 the circuit has produced some memorable moments and it is hoped that today it will serve up another.

Looking at the front row - a Red Bull lock-out - one would be forgiven for thinking that this could be another one of those long afternoons where we watch the Austrian outfit disappear into the distance. However, the presence of an all Ferrari second row, not to mention chargers like Kobayashi, Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton starting further back should assure us of some fun and games. And then there's the weather.

While the temperatures are up on Saturday, and it has been fairly bright all morning, an hour before the race is due to begin the first dark clouds appear in the distance. There are a few spots of rain - not enough to dampen the track or the enthusiasm of the many thousands of fans that line the circuit - but enough to remind us that this is Britain where we can sometimes experience all four season in one day.

Ignoring the weather - never easy in a country where it appears to be the starting point for almost every conversation - the Red Bulls do look to be favourites today, showing no ill effects of the ongoing row over blown diffusers.

While Ferrari continues to insist that it has turned a corner, we feel that there is still a long way to go, though the Maranello outfit can at least take comfort from the fact that Mercedes is in a similar situation. Then again, the Italian team could use the ban on off-throttle exhaust blowing - behind which it has reportedly been a prime mover - to its advantage.

Other than the battles between the usual suspects, today it will be worth watching Paul di Resta, the Scot, on his home F1 debut, rising to the occasion magnificently. Already, he is being inked with a number of teams and while the mainstream media busies itself with the likes of Hamilton and Webber it is the motorhomes that the West Lothian youngster visits that should really be of interest.

While Kobayashi continues to be one of the true finds of recent times, full credit also to Maldonado who is finally making an impact - though not in the Monaco sense.

We are told that no matter the weather there is the possibility of mayhem on the first lap, particularly into Village (Turn 3), and, other than the leaders, any midfield pack which includes Schumacher, Perez, Petrov, Barrichello and Heidfeld is sure to be worth watching, while the Toro Rosso duo will be keen to make up for its qualifying nightmare. Then, a little further back, keep an eye on F1 debutant Daniel Ricciardo who has really stepped up to the plate this weekend.

Being Round 9, we are essentially at the halfway stage in the season, indeed, a number of teams and drivers have already declared that if the gap to Red Bull (and Vettel) isn't closed today the season is virtually over. Ironically, it was here last year that Fernando Alonso declared that he would win the title, a claim that raised eyebrows both within and without the paddock. However, a resurrection of Hollywood proportions saw the Spaniard go into the final race at Abu Dhabi as red hot favourite. Can Alonso, Ferrari, anyone pull off a similar miracle this year?

As the drivers make their way to the grid, a few more drops of rain begin to fall. Unsurprisingly, most drivers are on inters.

Asked on the grid if he'll start on slicks Button reveals that conditions vary depending where you are on the circuit. "Some of it needs full wets," he says, "other parts you'll get away with slicks". The rain has stopped but there are some ominous clouds in the distance. Paul di Resta confirms Button's verdict on the state of the track.

Replay shows Perez (inters) hitting a damp patch on his out lap and heading off across the grass into an advertising hoarding. Having damaged his nose he returns to the pits for a new one.