Ecclestone keeps London option

Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has refused to give up on his dream of a grand prix around the streets of London - despite having agreed a five-year deal to keep the British Grand Prix at Silverstone

Dec 11, 2004, 9:52 AM

Although the possibility of a street race around Britain's capital became a distinct possibility earlier this year, following the success of a parade down Regent's Street and doubts about the future of Silverstone, it had been thought that a new deal for the British GP has effectively ended those hopes.

But Ecclestone has other ideas and has insisted that the plans for a London race are far from over - having recently ensured London mayor Ken Livingstone consulted a delegation from Australia which has made a success of the street race around Melbourne.

Speaking in the wake of the deal with Silverstone, Ecclestone said: "I would sign a deal with London today if I could, Ken knows that. The problem is getting the money together.

"Get that and when we would be in business."

The most likely route for a London race is based around Hyde Park.