Damon Hill is worried about “historic” circuits
Damon Hill, Formula 1 World Champion in 1996 and former president of the British Racing Driver's Club, is concerned about the lack of support from the sport's governing bodies for circuits he describes as "historic."
Damon Hill believes that Formula 1 decision-makers should take a closer look at the issues faced by circuit promoters.
The former world champion is well placed to talk about this problem. He was indeed at the head of the Silverstone circuit for several years. A position from which he resigned recently.
With the increasing number of races organized in Europe and the rise in participation “fees,” Damon Hill is concerned that historic circuits may lose their place in the global calendar: «I am concerned about how promoters will manage to survive the increased demands of organization. I think Formula 1 should consider how circuits and their promoters can survive under these conditions. And I’m not talking about places where a Grand Prix hasn’t been held yet, but about those that already exist.»
Hill believes that the public should be prioritized over companies and sponsors within the circuit enclosures: « There is a balance to be found between VIPs, sponsors, and those who pay for their tickets. Football experienced the same issue and had to significantly reduce ticket prices in the stands.
The future pay-per-view broadcasts on English television channels do not seem to affect the attendance at the circuits according to the Brit: «No one can answer this question yet. But I don’t think it impacts the attendance at the circuits. England has always had a tradition of motorsport; people like to touch, feel, and hear what is happening on the track.»
With half-empty stands for several years, the Turkish Grand Prix no longer appears on the 2012 calendar… other circuits might follow this path, pushed out by the emergence of other countries eager to host their own races.
