I went to the grand opening of Kart Silverstone - and six-time F1 race winner George Russell showed us how it’s done

Living in nearby Towcester, it has been impossible for me not to hear about this exciting venture, one that’s been in the works for nearly four years.

Following an extensive design and build process, Kart Silverstone - a world-class go-karting facility with five different track configurations - is now open to the public.

The 1,377m (0.85 mile) track will also host FIA events and international race meetings, while it will be a breeding ground for Britain’s up-and-coming talent.

But before the curtain could officially be brought down over this stunning new venue, merely yards from Brooklands and Luffield, it needed special guests worthy of cutting the ribbon.

Now, I must concede there wasn’t actually any ribbon to cut. But that needn’t matter – as the unveiling was far cooler than that.

My chats with fellow invitees in Silverstone’s authentic handmade pizza restaurant, Box Box Pizza, were interrupted by a ding-of-the-glass moment.

Up to the stage came Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft and Silverstone CEO Stuart Pringle, to tell us all about the hard work that has gone into this new circuit.

That was awesome enough, as details were shared such as this being Silverstone’s biggest investment since ‘The Wing’, and corners were described as having “exceptional undulation” that “take mettle”.

But we were then spoilt further as six-time Formula One race winner and current Mercedes driver George Russell joined the pair only a few metres in front of us.

Gleaming from ear to ear, probably just as chuffed as we were considering he has so much to thank his karting days for, George told us he believes Kart Silverstone has “raised the bar”.

Russell grew up near PF International Circuit, which during his upbringing was - by his own admission - the “gold standard of karting in the UK”. But Russell believes Kart Silverstone can be a step up.

“Every single year I come here, there’s more happening. It’s really impressive to see, and it was only a matter of time to get a kart track here,” Russell said.

The Brit was then invited to head downstairs, suit up and take to the track. As soon as Russell left the room, we all flocked to the balcony to try and gain the best possible view.

Before long, Russell emerged from below us and hopped into his kart, donning his full Mercedes race suit and custom-made light blue helmet.

There was a buzz from all those watching on. “What sort of line will he take into turn four?,” I asked, knowing how tricky it looked from afar. “Surely he’s going to set a record time right away,” another added.

Russell had just one out lap to get used to the feel of the track before he took on his flying lap, and boy was he fast.

You’d expect the driver currently second in the F1 world championship to be quick, but it’s not easy hopping in and attempting a brand new track, especially one as varied as this.

From fast straights to a flat-out chicane, successive technical hairpins and tight left and right-handers, Russell made it look easy. He hardly missed an apex!

As the applause filtered out from the balcony, my heart began to pound, knowing I was next up. But as soon as I’d suited up and headed to the briefing room, I was at ease.

The briefing was easy to follow and the advice was excellent. Kart Silverstone’s marshals were happy to answer any questions and had the patience to find the correct helmet sizes for all 19 of us heading out on track.

Then, after jumping into our karts and going through some final safety procedures, it was time to put the pedal to the metal.

As soon as I left the pit lane and headed for turn two, I already had a sense of just how fast these things could go.

The top speed of the high-performance Sodi RT10 kart is around 55mph. Even at a fraction of that in the early corners, it was an exhilarating feeling, so close to the ground.

Then came the chicane midway through the lap – a succession of corners modelled on the famous Becketts section of Silverstone Circuit.

That was my favourite part of the lap. Should I brake, lift off, or just go hell for leather? To begin with, I would tap the brake. But then I would take it a little faster each lap, before I was effectively flat-out. What a feeling!

It then dawned on me on another stretch of the track that I was in fact driving right where Silverstone’s old Bridge and Priory corners used to be. Not only was I having the most fun I’ve had in a long time, but I was driving in the wheeltracks of legends.

The whole experience had me itching for more, and the best part is, mere mortals such as I can book in and kart to my heart’s content.

Now, there are no promises George Russell will be watching on, but it’s a track and experience that leaves a lasting impression.