With a capacity crowd packed at trackside for three days, hopes were high for a Hamilton win and the Hertfordshire-born racer didn't disappoint.

Missing out on pole position to his McLaren-Mercedes team-mate, Heikki Kovalainen,Hamilton snatched the lead early on and then gave everyone a driving lesson as he pulled out an advantage of over one minute at the head of the pack.

He crossed the finish line comfortably ahead of the BMW Sauber of Nick Heidfeld and the Honda of Rubens Barrichello to claim a patriotic victory at 'The Home of British Motor Racing'.

Hamilton said: "This is my best race ever. To win at Silverstone is great. It is a fantastic feeling to win my home Grand Prix. I will remember this day for many years."

The race was action-packed from start to finish, with F1 insiders calling it the most exciting Grand Prix seen for years. Changing weather conditions and Silverstone's unique high-speed layout allowed great racing.

Following the news of the move of the Grand Prix to Donington Park for 2010, Silverstone's owners the British Racing Drivers' Club were delighted that the weekend provided such wall-to-wall action.

BRDC president Damon Hill said: "The winner this weekend was British motor sport. Silverstone played host to an amazing weekend of sport and Lewis Hamilton's victory will be long remembered."

He added: "The news that the Grand Prix is switching to Donington Park came as something of a shock to us on the opening day of the meeting, but everyone at Silverstone was determined not to be unsettled.

"The Silverstone team delivered a great event and I am sure another great spectacle will be held next year. After that, we shall see – but Silverstone will be ready for F1 action if required."