RAF parachutist excited ahead of Grand Prix display

RAF Sergeant Marcus Shields says he cannot wait for the display at Silverstone

An RAF Sergeant has said he is excited to take to the skies to make his debut at the British Grand Prix with his parachute display team.

Marcus Shields, 26, from Blackpool, Lancashire, is part of the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team appearing at Silverstone later.

The RAF Falcons free fall displays include advanced manoeuvres, falling at speeds up to 120mph (193km/h), and their well-known move which includes a heart and crisscross carousel.

Sergeant Shields said he was "looking forward to soaking it all up" and although he felt nervous he described it as "good positive nerves".

The RAF Falcons are famous for a heart and crisscross carousel

Sgt Shields began his career in the RAF in 2016 having never jumped out of a plane before.

After his first jump he worked his way up to become a parachute jumping instructor in 2021.

Of his maiden jump into the sky, he told BBC Radio Lancashire: "I didn't really have a whole of lot of experience beforehand and didn't really know what to expect.

"The more jumps down the line you get more comfortable and more confident."

The RAF Falcons have had a busy season so far carrying out skydiving displays in countries such as Portugal and Latvia.

'Good positive nerves'

Sgt Shields, who joined the team last year and will be in it for three years, has been part of those displays, but this will be the first time he has taken part at Silverstone.

He said: "I've been looking forward to this one since coming on the team.

"I'm very much looking forward to soaking it all up really, there is an element of nerves, but good positive nerves."

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