Ecclestone: I will have no qualms if Silverstone disappears

The Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone insists that he will have no feelings about the disappearance of the British Grand Prix from the calendar. He believes that the time has come for Silverstone to renew itself in order to hope for a new contract.

Although Northamptonshire has received approval from local authorities for a reorganization plan, Ecclestone said that there are still a great number of obstacles that need to be overcome for the future to be clear.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, the F1 supreme leader stated that the commercial aspects of the new plans are far from being settled. If he was not satisfied with what was offered, then the 2009 British Grand Prix would be the last.

« Let’s suppose that the facilities which will have been built, we approve them, well there will still be the problem of the commercial agreement for the Grand Prix to take place, » said Ecclestone.

« There are therefore two things to overcome. First, the organization must first build the facilities, and then it will have to pay something to be present in the official calendar. »

« I just want to say that what we do for Silverstone, we do in all other countries, no more, no less. I sincerely hope that the circuit will be able to propose a plan worthy of their involvement to secure a Grand Prix in 2010, » he continued.

He added: « What other countries should normally do is enter into a trade agreement. »

« We want a letter of credit to cover two years of fees. They then need to build a facility the way we want it. »

The question seems all the more complicated since the approval from local authorities for the redevelopment of Silverstone was granted only on the condition that Ecclestone guarantees the future of the race…

To be continued!