Bernie Ecclestone could be reneging on the crucial commercial contract he wants Formula One teams to sign if he ditches the British Grand Prix amid fears that Donington Park is not going to be ready to hold the nation’s showpiece race.
Silverstone, the traditional home of the race, is on standby to stage it again in 2010 should Donington fall victim to its financial problems, and has £40 million of financing ready for release. But Ecclestone, chief executive of FOM, the company that controls Formula One’s finances, insists that no Donington means no British Grand Prix.
Damon Hill, the 1996 Formula One world champion, who is chairman of the British Racing Drivers’ Club, which owns Silverstone, wants Ecclestone to negotiate a sensible way out to allow a race to go ahead in 2010.
“Britain is a key protected race,” he said. “The first grand prix of the modern era was held at Silverstone and this country has been loyal to the championship throughout.” Times Online
However, Hill, the president of the British Racing Drivers’ Club, which owns Silverstone, believes the door is not closed completely. “Bernie is a businessman,” Hill said. “He keeps his options open. If we can present him with a viable option then I’m sure he will consider it.”
Hill’s optimism will be put to the test if North West Leicestershire District Council vote to cancel Donington’s planning permission on Tuesday night.
Permission was granted at a special planning committee meeting in January subject to a Section 106 agreement, covering spectator safety, and it was agreed by Donington leaseholder Simon Gillett that this would be completed by the end of March. However, Gillett is now involved in a legal dispute with circuit owner Tom Wheatcroft, the man he needs to validate the planning consent, and the council is running out of time and patience.
Two recommendations will be put before the committee this evening; the immediate cancellation of the planning consent – which would effectively kill the race – or putting the deadline back to May 31.
There has been speculation recently that Ecclestone may be forced back into the arms of Silverstone in the event that Donington fails to deliver, because the British Grand Prix is one of five ‘traditional’ races protected both by the FIA’s constitution and the proposed new commercial contract, known as the Concord Agreement, which Ecclestone wants the teams to sign. Telegraph.co.uk
Hill is hoping that, with Donington out of the way, Bernie Ecclestone might fall back on Silverstone, despite the F1 Chief Executive repeatedly ruling out that scenario.
“I’m doubtful that it is a sustainable business model, which is why it has not yet been endorsed by banks,” added Hill.
“Silverstone is ready to go,” he continued. “We’re at the final stages now of our development brief for the £40 million upgrade of the pit and paddock complex. All we are saying is: ‘let’s talk about it’.” Yahoo! Eurosports
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