BRDC Rejects FOM Offer to Run the British GP

The British Racing Drivers' Club, owners of the Silverstone circuit, has rejected an offer that would see the British Grand Prix run at the venue until at least 2015, the FOM said today in a statement.

The BRDC and commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone have been entangled in a war of words over the future of Silverstone as host to the British Grand Prix, with Ecclestone setting an August deadline for his decision over the event's future.

But an FOM statement released today revealed representatives of the BRDC held a meeting yesterday with Silverstone's stakeholders Brands Hatch Circuits (BHC), with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), with the East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA) and with Formula One Management (FOM) - the commercial rights owner of Formula One, run by Ecclestone.

According to the statement, a proposal was made to the BRDC which would "secure the British Grand Prix until at least 2015", without any financial involvement by BRDC nor any financial risk by the club.

No details were given on the nature of the proposal, however the FOM said the BRDC had rejected the offer. "Unfortunately," FOM spokesman said, "no progress was made with the BRDC representatives." The spokesman said no further comments will be made at this time.

The BRDC are currently holding a press conference in London over the future of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, and the club's president, Sir Jackie Stewart, is expected to comment on yesterday's meeting.