BRDC 'risks losing' British GP

Ecclestone's Formula One Administration firm re-acquired the rights to promote the British GP this week when American giant Interpublic opted to terminate its contract at a cost of £52million, rather than continue its deal until 2015. Ecclestone, a long-time Silverstone critic, is hopeful that a new promoter will take on the event, but reiterated his comments that improvements need to be made at the Northamptonshire venue.

"I would welcome a new promoter coming forward and I would be delighted if the British Grand Prix goes ahead at Silverstone," said Ecclestone. "It's the only possible circuit in the country [that has the facilities and licence to hold the race], but it has to come up to scratch.

"We saw at the last race in Bahrain what facilities should be like. The standard has been raised by the new venues and Silverstone has to fall into line. BRDC has got a lot of land there and it's still receiving rent from Interpublic. On the back of that, they can raise the necessary cash and invest in the circuit.

"I have put a chunk of my own money in. All I have seen for it are new car parks. They are very necessary, but we need a new pit and paddock complex too. Unless the BRDC does this, there will not be another grand prix in the UK in 2005."