David Beckham (L) briefly stole the show from Lewis Hamilton at the British Grand Prix
on Sunday days before he heads out to Los Angeles to join his new club. [AFP]

The former England captain, who is between clubs having left Spanish giants Real Madrid for the Los Angeles Galaxy, attended his first grand prix alongside wife Victoria as a guest of Honda.

The Beckhams were snapped with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone before being surrounded by the usual throng of cameramen and photographers as they walked down the Silverstone paddock.

Honda boss Nick Fry explained how the Beckhams came to be at Silverstone on race day.

"It came about because our marketing agency is a company called 19 Entertainment, who also look after the Beckhams, Pop Idol and a bundle of other stuff like that," he said.

"They were invited as guests, and it's going to be good fun. I'm really looking forward to it.

"They've not been to a grand prix before, so it's nice they have chosen to come.

"I believe this is their last big appearance before they go to the States on Tuesday, so it's good they are here.

"I was lucky enough to be invited to their house before the World Cup, and I met them briefly. I had a good time there, so it's nice to be able to reciprocate."