Monday 28 September 2015

F1:The British GP at Silverstone is at risk, according to a report


The British GP is at risk, according to a report, with Silverstone's managing director saying that more investment is needed to safeguard the race's future.

Silverstone's deal with F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone runs until 2026. However, The Daily Telegraph claims that a clause in their contract means it can be terminated as early as next year.

'The Northamptonshire track is suffering from a loss of rental income after selling a lease on 280 acres of land to clear is debts,' the paper reports.

'Its plight has led to it paying the hosting fee for the British GP in arrears, meaning that a letter of credit from its bankers is necessary for the race to go ahead.'

Managing director Patrick Allen is quoted as saying that their bank might withhold the letter of credit if the annual increase in the race hosting fee outstrips income from ticket sales.

"Can I guarantee the future? No I can't," Allen said. "Could I hand on heart say to Mr Ecclestone, 'don't worry, your money is absolutely safe for the next 10 years?' No, I couldn't.

"To pull the contract would be a sad thing for Silverstone, it would be a sad thing for motor racing and it would be a very sad thing for Britain."

No comments: