Bernie: A December 11 deadline for Silverstone

Friday 20th November 2009

Bernie Ecclestone has warned the BRDC that if they don't sign a contract by December 11, Britain will not have a F1 grand prix next season.

Although the 2010 British GP was expected to be held at Donington Park, a lack of finances put an end to the venue's contract, leaving the door open for Silverstone.

However, as yet the British Racing Drivers' Club, who own the Silverstone circuit, have yet to sign a deal with Ecclestone, who is reportedly offering the track a 17-year contract.

The F1 supremo has now informed that BRDC that they have until the next World Motor Sport Council meeting, which takes place on December 11, to sign or else Britain will lose its race.

"The World Council will meet and we will just pull it off - we will have to," Ecclestone told The Times. "We'll have no other choice, if we don't have a contract. We shouldn't have anything on the calendar unless we have a contract in place."

But having said that, Ecclestone reckons a deal is close, although investors still need to sign on the dotted line.

"They are close and they know they are close. It's not the terms and conditions so much as whether the investors are prepared to bankroll them and take the risk."

Asked whether he would regret losing Britain from the calendar, Ecclestone denied the widely-held belief that he doesn't care for the British GP or Silverstone.

"Of course we want a British Grand Prix. I've been spending an awful lot of time trying make sure it does happen, but there is no chance of an exceptional contract for Silverstone. Why should there be?"

Your Comments

rigsbey

"Should take Bernies Passport and his Britsh Citizenship! And let him pay millions to get back. He has no loyalty to UK at all! "

fanatic

"I still think FOM's policy of a single contract for all races is a nonsense... how could an independent track raise the money required to pay FOM as easily as a government owned/sponsored facility... its sheer madness! ... maybe he should uplift new tracks coming online and use the overpayment to subsidise those that are independant and most importantly have a long F1 history. MAX IS GONE... BERNIE NEXT PLEASE!!"

OppositeLock

"Tell Bernie to shove it. Better to not have a British GP than to put Silverstone at risk with a unworkable contract. Bernie sure as heck won't come to the track's assistance if they lose money on the F1 races. But he will certainly keep demanding improvements in the facilities. He thumbed his nose at Silverstone when he did a deal with Donington. He will cut Silverstone no slack now or in the future. So tell Bernie to either make his fees reasonable or go pound salt!"

speedhorrr

"Bernie's marbles are off again. Lose British GP & it will be your falt, no fan will blame Silverstone. Funny how he wants teams to cut spending but won't drop his price in this climate. Brown should take his passport away or have him admitted.Loonyyyy"

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