Ecclestone: Silverstone to blame if GP lost

With plans for a major redevelopment of Silverstone still waiting for final approval from the local council, Ecclestone has made no secret of the fact that the circuit needed an upgrade if it is to keep the race.

Speaking to BBC Radio 1, Ecclestone made it clear, however, where the responsibility would lie if the British Grand Prix was lost from the calendar.

When asked if he would ever drop the event, Ecclestone said: "No. Silverstone would drop itself."

Speaking about the Silverstone situation, Ecclestone said: "They've known for five years what they have to do to maintain it - to bring themselves up to speed with everybody else.

"We can't go round the world making people put grade A circuits together and we've got the home of motorsport in England and we've got the worst facilities. I'm sure they'll make the effort to get it together in the end."