BRDC responds to FOM statement

The British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) is dismayed by the statement from Formula One Management (FOM) earlier this week that said the future of the British Grand Prix is not guaranteed after 2004. FOM reacted to BRDC's Alexander Hooton saying FOM had "publicly agreed that the British Grand Prix is secure for 2005 and 2006".

Jackie Stewart.

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FOM stated that it had not agreed any such thing. It's stance is that Formula One Administration (FOA) is prepared to enter an agreement with the BRDC, or another promoter, to stage the British GP in 2005 and 2006 "on commercial terms matching those in place for rounds of the Championship held in Germany".

FOM concluded by saying the BRDC, or any other prospective promoter, has yet to accept that offer -- and that an agreement has to be struck by the end of September this year.

The BRDC claims that it's the first it has heard of the deadline. "We are dismayed at Bernie Ecclestone's latest threat to the future of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone," said President Sir Jackie Stewart in a statement. "His deadline of 30 September 2004, as stated in the press, has never been mentioned in all our discussions with FOA and the British Government."

"We are surprised at Mr Ecclestone's backtracking on the FOA's assurances of the security of the 2005/2006 Grand Prix. Mr Ecclestone instigated the discussions with regard to a promoter of his choice being appointed by FOA and the BRDC to run the 2005 and 2006 Grand Prix -- these discussions continue."

The British Grand Prix is only days away and the mood of the BRDC is as gloomy as the weather hanging over the circuit. "It is sad to see a dark cloud over the future of Silverstone this weekend when we should be celebrating the pre-eminence of our motorsport industry and hoping for a British winner on Sunday," Stewart concluded.