Ecclestone calls for Silverstone-Brands Hatch talks

Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone has urged Brands Hatch and Silverstone to get together and do a deal to keep the British Grand Prix at the Northamptonshire venue

Apr 22, 2000, 10:18 PM

Brands has the contract to run the event from 2002 but a lot of work is required to bring the Kent circuit up to Formula One standards.

The BRDC then blocked Brands' attempts to buy Silverstone and stage the race there. Recently it has been suggested that a deal could now be struck between Brands and Donington Park.

However, Ecclestone said he was impressed by the way Silverstone had reacted to this weekend's weather-induced chaos. The circuit closed the public car parks during qualifying day to ensure that the land surrounding the circuit would be fit for the 130,000 crowd expected on race day.

'It should stay here,' Ecclestone said today. 'They have made a big effort, which they've not done much in the past.

'A few years ago they were a bit dozy but they've got their act together since. I hope Brands and Silverstone can get together and sort it out.

'It is something they could do in five minutes if they wanted to.'