Stewart to Step Back from BRDC Presidency
Sir Jackie Stewart has suggested that he will take a lesser role in the running of Silverstone owners and British Grand Prix promoters the British Racing Drivers' Club.
Sir Jackie Stewart has suggested that he will take a lesser role in the running of Silverstone owners and British Grand Prix promoters the British Racing Drivers' Club.
The triple Formula One World Champion was elected president of the BRDC in 2000, and was heavily involved in the negotiations that eventually secured the future of the British GP at Silverstone until 2009.
Reputed disagreements between Stewart and club chairman Ray Bellm during the Grand Prix discussions led to Bellm's departure in January.
Now Stewart says that his other business commitments are such that he cannot devote sufficient time to the BRDC. He reiterated his commitment to the club in a statement released today, and said that he hoped the board would allow him to remain as president, but in a more 'ambassadorial' capacity.
"Whilst my professional activities both in the UK and internationally, such as my new and increasing role with the Royal Bank of Scotland and my other contracted business relationships, make it impossible for me to give the same time to the BRDC that I have in the past, I am immensely proud to be President of the Club," said Stewart.
"I look forward to helping the BRDC pursue its proud claim to be the Champion of British Motorsport."
"I am very pleased that the board last week was able to inform our members that it will put new corporate governance structures in place in relation to the roles of the president, the chairman, the chief executive, the BRDC board and its operating subsidiary companies," he said.
Although Stewart's statement also praised the work done by the BRDC in securing the future of Silverstone and the British GP, tensions still remain between the club and F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.
It was revealed at the weekend that Silverstone is the only F1 circuit that has not joined Australian GP boss Ron Walker's attempt to present a united front in support of Ecclestone against the rival GPWC organisation.
Be part of the Autosport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
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