Ecclestone will not promote F1 British GP
F1 impresario Bernie Ecclestone asserted yesterday that he did not expect to promote the British GP himself, and again warned the Silverstone circuit owner, the BRDC, that it must invest in its facilities to remain on the 2005 calendar. "I never say never, but I don't envisage being the promoter of the British GP," said Ecclestone. "The BRDC has a lot of land there and it's still receiving rent from Interpublic. Unless the BRDC invests, there won't be a grand prix in the UK in 2005."
Ecclestone also offered his opinions on why erstwhile race promoter Interpublic had bailed out of its long-term contract: "Interpublic wanted out because they no longer wanted to be in this business. They paid too much for the rights in the first place. They were paying more than we're charging in Europe."
Despite Interpublic's withdrawal, Ecclestone still thinks that money can be made from the event: "I think a promoter who is willing to get up and out there with plenty of ideas can make money. Other people do. I won't do a special deal for Britain just because it is Britain. Silverstone has to fall into line.
"I've got no plans to do anything with the British GP. It's not up to me. It's not up to the Government, either, to give money to a gentlemen's club, which is what the BRDC is. I am prepared to sign a contract with anyone once they have spoken to the BRDC, who are the landlords. Maybe the BRDC should consider being the promoters. Why not?"
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