Post by Lee on Jan 7, 2017 10:09:58 GMT
It seems that the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) who own Ilverstone are considering giving notice to exercise a contract-break clause at the end of 2019 due to the "potentially ruinous risk" of staging the loss-making race.
Although I have no doubt that it could happen and that the owners have to consider the option given the costs of hosting the race I can't help but feel there is some sabre-rattling going on. In truth there probably isnt another circuit in the UK in a position to host the event and neither Silverstone or the 140,000 fans who went to watch it last year want to lose the British Grand Prix.
Silverstone pays less than the likes of Russia and some of the new circuits although its cost do match the deal recently signed for the Italian GP but unlike most other races on the callender the British GP does not receive any government funding.
The key it seems lies with F1's new owner Liberty Media, who have made it clear that they want to retain and nurture the historic European races, which it sees as the home of the sport's core audience and a bedrock of its new-look F1.
Donington Park and Rockingham Motor Speedway circuits have stated that they have no interest in improving their tracks so as to be eligible to replace Silverstone and stage the British GP.
Damon Hill has called on the UK government to back the British Grand Prix financially to save the long-term future of the race.
True to form Bernie Ecclestone says Silverstone should stop "complaining" about the cost of hosting the British Grand Prix.
Although I have no doubt that it could happen and that the owners have to consider the option given the costs of hosting the race I can't help but feel there is some sabre-rattling going on. In truth there probably isnt another circuit in the UK in a position to host the event and neither Silverstone or the 140,000 fans who went to watch it last year want to lose the British Grand Prix.
Silverstone pays less than the likes of Russia and some of the new circuits although its cost do match the deal recently signed for the Italian GP but unlike most other races on the callender the British GP does not receive any government funding.
The key it seems lies with F1's new owner Liberty Media, who have made it clear that they want to retain and nurture the historic European races, which it sees as the home of the sport's core audience and a bedrock of its new-look F1.
Donington Park and Rockingham Motor Speedway circuits have stated that they have no interest in improving their tracks so as to be eligible to replace Silverstone and stage the British GP.
Damon Hill has called on the UK government to back the British Grand Prix financially to save the long-term future of the race.
True to form Bernie Ecclestone says Silverstone should stop "complaining" about the cost of hosting the British Grand Prix.
