Silverstone doesn’t want to be a stopgap

Damon Hill, the president of the highly renowned and influential British Racing Drivers Club which owns the Silverstone circuit, stated that he would be very happy to host the 2010 British Grand Prix, but only if there are multi-year contracts with Bernie Ecclestone.

The fear of not witnessing a British Grand Prix is reignited after the organizers of Donnington Park failed to meet the deadlines set by Bernie Ecclestone and did not secure the necessary funds in time for the proper progress of the work. The F1 boss explained that even if the owners managed to find the money (£50 million), he cannot imagine seeing the circuit ready to host the 2010 edition of the British Grand Prix due to the delays in construction.

The BRDC was apparently surprised to learn that Bernie Ecclestone had already offered an extension to the Donnington Park organizers and stated that the Silverstone circuit remained ready no matter what. Bernie Ecclestone had announced that if Donnington failed in restructuring the circuit for 2010, the Silverstone circuit would replace it for the next season while Donnington prepared for the 2011 edition.

But Damon Hill stated that Silverstone wanted more than a one-year contract and does not want to be a stopgap. “We have always said that we are ready and prepared to host the British Grand Prix next summer,” said Hill. “But honestly, if we are to do this, we want a multi-year contract. It was a big scare to know we could lose the race next year (the British GP), and if it were to disappear for a year, who knows what will happen in the future.”

The BRDC recently voted to allow foreign investments in order to raise funds and prepare for its future. However, such an exercise does not seem to be crucial for the smooth running of the 2010 event.