Ecclestone: Silverstone Should Pay Own Way

The British government should not have to pay for improvements to Silverstone circuit, Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone said on Friday.

"We shouldn't be asking the government for money," said Ecclestone at a meeting of the International Automobile Federation (FIA)'s World Motor Sports Council that confirmed the 2002 British Grand Prix.

"It's a commercial thing and we have got to get it done ourselves. It's been a tip (dump) for far too long. I have raced there myself, and as an Englishman I have been very embarrassed by it all," added Ecclestone.

Silverstone is owned by the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) who have leased the circuit to Octagon Motorsports after that company secured the commercial rights to the British Grand Prix for 15 years. Next year's Formula One race had been in doubt after FIA sources hinted that it could be dropped or replaced by a non-championship event because of traffic problems that have plagued the venue for decades.

FIA president Max Mosley said earlier that the world body had been particularly reassured by the direct intervention of British Prime Minister Tony Blair. BRDC president Jackie Stewart, a three times Formula One World Champion and former team owner, has led calls for the government to match investment already put into the circuit.

Ecclestone has himself pledged $20 million towards Octagon's Silverstone Masterplan. The BRDC and Octagon have also contributed $20 million each. Octagon chief executive Rob Bain said earlier this year that the $60 million would take care of the "must-have" refurbishments at the former World War two airfield.

A major road building programme is underway with a publicly-funded Silverstone bypass under construction. Octagon said this week that 10.6 million pounds ($15.40 million) would be spent on works to be completed before the 2002 race.