British GP bosses reject sharing scheme

Ecclestone proposed the idea to Silverstone's owners, the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC), as a way of ensuring the race's long-term future without the need for an expensive renovation of facilities to take place immediately.

It was proposed that the race-sharing scheme would start in 2008, with Silverstone hosting the race that year and Magny-Cours getting it the following year. The alternating venue proposal would last for 10 years.

But after examining the idea, the BRDC have informed Ecclestone that they are not interested in the proposal.

BRDC chairman Stuart Rolt told The Times newspaper: "We said it doesn't work for us. We were not able to see how a Grand Prix every second year works financially — we have to keep the place in a suitable condition for a Grand Prix — and in terms of staffing.

"You may be able to let some staff go temporarily and hire them back, but that's a difficult way to run a business."

Ecclestone has said that he will accept Silverstone's decision and not force the issue - although admitted that nothing was guaranteed for the event beyond the end of its current deal in 2009.

"Silverstone stays where they are. We respect our contracts and we'll see what happens when the contract runs out."

Rolt echoed Ecclestone's comments that the race's future was not certain.

"I really can't reassure them (the fans) after 2009," Rolt said. "To me there is a danger that we cannot, or we are somehow unable to, find a way to fund the improvements or there may be a point where the amount of money we have to pay for hosting the Grand Prix becomes untenable."