Bellm Resigns from BRDC

Bellm had been at loggerheads with Stewart since the end of last year in a dispute over the final details of Silverstone's new five-year British Grand Prix deal, and he had been expected to stand down in the event of Stewart winning support from the club at last week's Extraordinary General Meeting.

Following a demand from club chairman Stuart Rolt to clarify his future position, amid suggestions that the BRDC board did not want him to carry on, Bellm decided to tender his resignation letter on Sunday.

Speaking exclusively to Autosport-Atlas, Bellm claimed that his success in securing the British Grand Prix deal and good terms for the exit of previous leaseholders Interpublic had never been fully appreciated.

"I told Stuart that my position is that I secured two good deals for the BRDC, along with the team that helped me, and I have been kicked in the teeth as a result of doing them," he said.

"I now no longer wish to have anything more to do with the management of the club. In my statement to Stuart Rolt I said that since my removal as chairman I did not feel very comfortable with the financial and legal responsibility of being a director where such a weak board existed."

When asked whether he felt it was a sad day to turn his back on the BRDC, he said: "No. I can finally take off my blue blazer and become a human being again..."

Bellm said he was hopeful, however, that Silverstone could enjoy a successful future without him.

"The only thing remaining is the future redevelopment of the circuit and I am sure other people can do that," he said.

"The members have spoken. They want Jackie to lead the club and good luck to them."