As Silverstone prepares to launch its much anticipated new pit and paddock complex, Bernie Ecclestone finally seems happy.

For as long as they can remember, British race fans feared each year's round of the Formula One World Championship might be the last, as Ecclestone fought a bitter battle with the British Racing Drivers' Club, owners of the Northamptonshire circuit.

Along the way, other than describing the circuit as embarrassing and third world, Ecclestone sought to take the British race to Brands Hatch, Donington or even France.

While the track is regarded as one of the best on the calendar, Ecclestone was frustrated by the lack of facilities, not for the fans so much as the 'beautiful people', describing the former airfield as "third world" and "dilapidated".

Now, having been handed a seventeen year contract, and with the second phase of its multi-million pound facelift about to be officially launched, Ecclestone finally seems content.

"Thank God I persisted because now we'll have a super circuit," he told the Telegraph. "One that when people say 'We are building a circuit; can we come and have a look at Silverstone?' I can happily say, 'Yes, build it like this'. Whereas before it was the last place I would encourage them to see."

Almost seems too good to be true.