Formula 1
Silverstone future unresolved
The future of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone remains unresolved after a meeting between the British Racing Drivers Club (BRDC), Formula One Management (FOM) and other concerned parties. The debate notched up a gear at the British GP weekend ...
Published: Jul 23, 2003, 8:39 PM
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The future of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone remains unresolved after a meeting between the British Racing Drivers Club (BRDC), Formula One Management (FOM) and other concerned parties. The debate notched up a gear at the British GP weekend when Bernie Ecclestone suggested the BRDC, the owner of Silverstone, find funds in the region of £40 million to invest in the circuit.
BRDC president Sir Jackie Stewart dismissed the idea as unreasonable but Ecclestone also said he was prepared to cancel the contract with British GP promoters Octagon (now Brands Hatch Ltd) if funds were not forthcoming for improvements. Ecclestone said he wanted a decision by mid-August.
After today's meeting, it seems nothing has changed: "A proposal was put forward to secure the British Grand Prix until at least 2015. Unfortunately, no progress was made with the BRDC representatives," said a statement from FOM.
Stewart believes it is beyond the scope of the BRDC to raise the financial investment Ecclestone requires and if Silverstone loses the race, it will not be their fault. He thinks FOM, Brands Hatch Ltd and the British government will decide the future of the British GP and the BRDC is only a minor player.
"It is a David versus Goliath situation," he said after today's meeting. "The other three in this are all Goliaths. It is really beyond our power to raise the sort of monies that have been talked of in the last few days. We are the smallest of the players involved in this game."
"But I do believe, following our (BRDC) meeting yesterday, that there is a way forward to make progress and keep the British Grand Prix on the calendar. If we lose it, it won't be us to blame. We are not a rich body and we are not the owners of the rights to the British Grand Prix."
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