Silverstone fate lies with BRDC
The fate of the British Grand Prix is in the hands Silverstone's owners the BRDC after Bernie Ecclestone and eight Formula 1 teams signed off a deal for both the British and French Grands Prix at a meeting in Heathrow today (Monday)
The money for the British GP is in place and the only thing scuppering a deal is the BRDC failing to agree commercial terms with Ecclestone. The F1 supremo is giving the BRDC 48 hours to agree a contract.
"If [the deal] is done before Thursday, they are on the calendar. If it's not, they're not," Ecclestone said. "I guarantee there will be Silverstone. Bernie's word."
Minardi boss Paul Stoddart is confident both Britain and France would be on the calendar when it is approved by the sport's governing body in Monaco at the end of the week.
"Silverstone and Magny Cours were signed off today," Stoddart said. "Nothing can destroy Magny Cours and the only thing that can destroy Silverstone is the BRDC."
The problem lies in the length of the contract with the BRDC favouring a deal for two years with a five-year option while Ecclestone wants to sign a one year deal with a six-year option.
Share Or Save This Story
WRC Portugal: Organisers investigate major stage security breach
Ford in talks with Verstappen about WEC Hypercar opportunities
The factors behind Honda's pace-setting speed in French MotoGP practice
WRC Portugal: Fourmaux off hands Ogier rally lead
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments