Bernie lays into the BRDC...again

Ecclestone, who many insiders believe bears a grudge against the BRDC due to its origins, says the club simply hasn't done enough to keep Silverstone up to pace as a Formula 1 venue.

"We have never complained about what has been done - it's what hasn't been done," he said. "There was a plan to put a Taj Mahal along Hangar Straight, a new pits complex, which would have been super and then we would tart the rest up. That was where the $60million came up, which I didn't think it was enough in the first place. But they spent £14million or £15million on a car park for 5,000 cars.

"Octagon [now Brands Hatch Circuits] is relying on the BRDC to look after things, but the BRDC built another car park with 3,000 places for their members. The BRDC never bought this place, they inherited it so they should get their rent, borrow whatever is necessary and build the circuit we need.

"Of the original $60million, only £13million is left. That means the Taj Mahal is not going to happen. What really gets up my nose is that we have had these bloody lousy facilities that they go on about problems but they managed to spend £3million on their own clubhouse without any problems. When it comes to looking after the guys who buy the tickets, there is a problem.

"If the BRDC borrow some money, they would save on tax and be able to build a good facility. What they borrow, they could pay off in six or seven years and then they have got a super facility. Then they would be in good shape."

Ecclestone insisted that he is not interested in becoming the owner of Silverstone in the future, as has been rumoured on many occasions.

"I wouldn't consider buying Silverstone," he said. "I wouldn't consider taking it if they wanted to give it to me."