Stewart: FOM's Silverstone deadline is 'unrealistic'

The chairman of the British Racing Drivers Club, Sir Jackie Stewart, has responded to Formula One Management principal Bernie Ecclestone's demand that it must commit to upgrading the facilities at Silverstone, the BRDC's British GP venue. "I don't think four weeks is realistic, but the BRDC is keen to play a proportional part," Stewart told BBC Radio 5 Live

Jul 22, 2003, 7:25 AM

Ecclestone has suggested that the BRDC takes out a £40m loan against the £6m it is said to receive each year for leasing Silverstone to the British GP rights holder, Brands Hatch Circuits. But Stewart added: "The BRDC, a private club, is being asked to raise this money. It's not possible, but we don't mind being among the players. And those players could include the British government."

Stewart will meet UK Sports Minister Richard Caborn later this week to discuss the issue. He added: "I've met Patricia Hewitt [the Trade & Industry Secretary] and around 75 MPs. I'm meeting as many people as I can to make sure this is an all-party issue and to make sure they know Britain can't afford to lose this industry."