Silverstone wants to be the best circuit in the world

Silverstone was never a circuit much appreciated by Bernie Ecclestone in the past, and the British track even lost the organization of the British Grand Prix to Donington Park. Ultimately, things did not go as planned, and Silverstone decided to modernize its circuit, which allowed it to continue hosting Formula 1.

The Silverstone Circuit is owned by the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) and the latter decided to change the face of Silverstone by undertaking construction work in recent years. In 2011, the new paddock – nicknamed The Wing due to its shape – was used for the first time by the Formula One Circus as well as the new circuit configuration.

Derek Warwick was succeeded by Damon Hill as head of the BRDC last summer, and the former F1 driver intends to continue the development initiated by the 1996 world champion. Hotels, museums, and a business activity zone are among other things that should be created.

What we have managed to achieve in recent years – reclaiming the Grand Prix that was scheduled for Donington Park, signing a 17-year contract, building The Wing, and securing the future of Silverstone – has been incredible, and I am proud to have been part of it, Derek Warwick told Sky Sports.

But the modernization of the circuit is extremely costly, which is why the BRDC is looking for an investor to help pay for this upgrade of Silverstone.

The next step is huge, finding an investor and connecting The Wing to the rest of the circuit, building hotels, museums, a university, etc. There are so many exciting things that are going to happen at Silverstone.

There are many things planned according to our plans, and not everything may be realized, things could be done in a different order as well. It’s really related to the investor, but I think it’s something exciting, and it will change the face of BRDC and Silverstone, hopefully for the better.

The stated goal of the British Racing Drivers’ Club is to make Silverstone the best circuit in the world once its modernization is completed.

The reason for this (modernization) is to develop the circuit to a standard where we will have the best facilities, not only in Europe but worldwide. We already have the history and one of the most beautiful circuits, and what we are planning will complement this ensemble.

For the moment, the search for a partner is still ongoing, but things could quickly be resolved, at least that is the wish of Derek Warwick.

Regarding the date of the decision, I would be disappointed if it doesn’t happen very soon.

Rumors have mentioned a possible influx of investment funds from Abu Dhabi or Qatar to aid in the development of Silverstone—similar to what has been done with some British football clubs. However, Derek Warwick, as President of the BRDC, does not intend to proceed in that way. He wants to choose an investor involved not just for short-term profit but for the long term to ensure the development of the British circuit.

« Do you honestly think that we at the BRDC, with the history and knowledge we possess, will ultimately sell Silverstone or the BRDC? Sorry, but you can’t compare what we do with Silverstone to a football club, someone who wants trophies, who’s just there to get what they want before leaving.

« The Manchester City guy, will he be there for the next 10 years? Probably not. We hope our guy will be there for the long term, » concluded Warwick.