BETA answers GP criticism

BTCC boss Alan Gow issued his own strongly-worded release earlier this week in which he stated that the "negative decision taken by BETA means that it is a great opportunity squandered and one that undoubtedly will be regretted for many years to come"

But BETA has now hit back, saying its members could not commit to the non-championship race due to harsh economic conditions and restrictions on the amount of personnel and sponsors it could bring to Silverstone in July.

"It was with great regret that the majority of BETA teams voted not to attend the 2004 British Grand Prix non-championship event," said the BETA statement. "We had to weigh up attendance at the Grand Prix against the real possibility that the cost of attendance would push the very slender finances of a number of teams over the edge resulting in some not being able to complete the full 10 race weekends.

"It would have been irresponsible of us to jeopardise the substantial progress that has been made with the championship this year in order to attend the British Grand Prix. The past few years have been very difficult. However, at considerable cost, the teams, manufacturers and circuits have continued to support the championship in order to see it return to its former glory.

"It was a very difficult decision to make because as racers we all wanted to attend. However, most of the teams are contracted to complete the full championship and have budgeted for 10 races weekends. When the race was announced we knew of the financial restraints but we were only recently told that we would only be allowed to bring into the circuit between 10 and 12 people per car. Effectively this means only team members and no sponsors.

"Subsequently it proved impossible for most teams to raise the extra necessary finance to compete at the Grand Prix from an already stretched budget. While we would normally leap at the chance to show a potentially new audience the 'new improved BTCC' we also owe it to our increasing number of regular fans not to allow the possibility of grids dropping to 16 cars and the subsequent degradation in the quality of the races.

"The BTCC teams, most of which are BETA members, have supported the BTCC through some difficult years recently and welcome any new initiative that enhances the championship. However, this cannot be at the risk of depleting the grids at a time when we are seeing an upsurge in the championship. This would be a reckless attitude to take, given the valued support and hard work over the past years from the circuits, manufacturers, sponsors and race fans."