Hill: Patience key to Silverstone negotiations

Wednesday 4th November 2009

Damon Hill believes patience is the key if Silverstone is to secure the long-term future of the British Grand Prix.

British Racing Drivers' Club president Hill was part of a three-strong Silverstone delegation in Abu Dhabi over the weekend hopeful of concluding a deal with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

Ecclestone, who turned 79 last Wednesday, met with Silverstone Holdings chairman Neil England and managing director Richard Phillips.

However, although hopes were high after Donington Park's bid fell by the wayside, no agreement was reached and negotiations remain ongoing.

Hill concedes the frenzied spectacle of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was hardly the ideal backdrop to conducting talks.

At least, though, the ball is rolling as he said: "The groundwork has been done and it's best to see what evolves now.

"There was a lot of excitement when the opportunity came back and Bernie said he was prepared to discuss the situation.

"We did go over to Abu Dhabi to try and get a deal done, but the distraction of the weekend meant it was not the right time.

"I'm not despondent, though. What will be will be. I've pretty much always taken that view.

"So we'll let the dust settle and see what happens over the next week or so."

Time is naturally of the essence as Silverstone would ordinarily have enjoyed over four months of ticket selling by now.

Hill knows from experience, though, that Ecclestone cannot be rushed on such matters and he will mull over the situation in his own time.

"It will be a shame if Bernie does let it drag on," added the 1996 world champion.

"As a business Silverstone has kept itself primed and expecting to look to a renewal of its grand prix contract.

"It's geared up to run a grand prix, and the longer that goes on, the more damaging it is to that business without a contract.

"So we would very much like to get something sorted as soon as possible, but clearly Bernie is not in a hurry, he can wait.

"We can't force him. We just have to be patient because there are some things beyond your control, and this is probably beyond our control.

"All you can do is try your best and we'll see what unfolds.

"Bernie has controlled this (F1) for years, and nothing has changed there."

Your Comments

Norm

"Wrong! The key to the Silverstone negotiations is the same as it has always been - MONEY! Specifically, ponying up enough money to satisfy Bernie's insatiable need to gouge every dollar out of F1 for himself.

The BRDC surely understands that the only route to successful negotiation with Bernie is to open your wallet and say: "Help yourself.""

johnbt

"I thought Silverstone has plans to rebuild the pits and grandstands. JUST LEAVE THE CIRCUIT AS IS. Thank you."

rochester

"Redalfa....wholeheartedly agree.....Bernie will play hardball with Silverstone, and the waiting game is much in his favor. ANYTHING he 'conceeds' can have further ramifications for him as other circuits will naturally look to those same issues. Bernie is NOT likely to give much. If he does it will be for a VERY short term contract....maybe 1-3 years. I hope the BRDC holds Bernie's nose to the grindstone. His treatment of tracks and promoters not willing to simply open their coffers to him is shameful."

Thecolonel

"Watching that pathetic display of a Formula 1 race over the weekend just reminds me how badly we all need the traditional races to remain on the calendar."

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