Lewis Hamilton’s team insist they will do everything they can to save the British Grand Prix.
The future of the race is in doubt after Donington Park failed to find the £130million needed to redevelop the track for next year.
Silverstone is ready to continue hosting the race - due to be held on July 11 - but have yet to agree a fee with F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone.
McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh said: “To lose the British Grand Prix would be massively damaging.” The Sun
“I don’t think it’s just McLaren, I think any team in Formula One knows the importance of the British Grand Prix,” Whitmarsh said in a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Phone-In.
“The World Championship is 18, 19 or potentially even 20 races. I guess you couldn’t say that any of them are absolutely vital but I think to lose the British Grand Prix would be massively damaging to the sport.”
Whitmarsh said that the passion of British fans was more than enough justification for the grand prix to keep its place. Sky Sports
“Anyone who goes around the world attending grands prix will tell you how remarkable a feeling it is to walk through the fans’ camp sites at Silverstone. They are such fantastic fans and you really do get that grass-routes enthusiasm.
“I am sure that McLaren, all the teams and Fota (Formula 1 Teams Association) will do everything it can to preserve a British Grand Prix in the calendar.”
But Damon Hill, president of the British Racing Drivers’ Club that owns Silverstone, is not convinced the race will be staged at the Northamptonshire track and says it faces stiff competition from other venues around the world. BBC Sport
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