Jul.2 (GMM) As has been a trend for a few races now, the pre-grand prix weather forecast is predicting rain.

Local prognosticators for the recent Monaco, Montreal and Magny-Cours events had similar adverse forecasts, as it now emerges that a high chance of rain exists for the British grand prix at Silverstone.

The first rain of the event could fall on Thursday, with a lesser chance for the opening day of practice a day later.

Saturday, however, could be a wash-out, with some forecasts envisaging up to a 100 per cent chance of rain.

Heavy showers - up to a 75 per cent likelihood - could also fall on Sunday, when a sell-out crowd will gather at the Northamptonshire venue.