The F1 Group has hit out at the BRDC after its decision to trigger the clause in its contract to host the British Grand Prix.

While the move was expected for weeks - since January if you follow Pitpass - the reality has left many within the sport reeling, not least the F1 Group, which was quick to issue its own statement criticising the move and its timing, which comes 24 hours before an event showcasing the sport takes place in London, and 48 hours before the race weekend kicks off at the Northamptonshire track.

The F1 Group's statement reads as follows:

"The week leading up to the British Grand Prix should be a week of great celebration for F1 and Silverstone.

We deeply regret that Silverstone has chosen instead to use this week to posture and position themselves and invoke a break clause that will take effect in three years' time.

We offered to extend the current deadlines in order to focus on everything that is great about Silverstone and Formula 1.

Regretfully the Silverstone management has chosen to look for a short-term advantage to benefit their position.

"Our focus is still to preserve the British Grand Prix, we will carry on negotiating with the promoter in good faith and in private to reach a fair and equitable solution."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Hobgoblin, 12/07/2017 12:06

""We deeply regret Silverstone has chosen instead to use this week to posture and position themselves and invoke a break clause."

This statement really made me laugh - accusing the BRDC of posturing, in a statement that is nothing more than posturing in itself. Are we sure Bernie is not still working for Liberty Media?"

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2. Posted by Stitch431, 12/07/2017 7:20

"As I posted under the wrong article...: "What Liberty tries to do is creating a feeling of disgust among the fans. However, they do it too obvious and now get slapped in the face by the fans as I just checked F1 sites in other countries too and "the fans" all react in the same manner as the majority here: "way to go Silverstone and BRDC!"""

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3. Posted by F1Doppelganger, 12/07/2017 7:06

"Well done to Silverstone for standing their ground and not waiting until after the Grand Prix to make the announcement. Government money should NOT be used to pay the hosting fee that goes into private pockets. In a few years, if Liberty have their way (though they try and deny it) we will have 25 Baku style city races - almost becoming Indycar. Although I will not be watching, as like Silverstone, I will not pay the fees - I will not be paying fees to Sky to watch. As drivers retire, so can viewers and I anticipate retiring as an F1 viewer at the end of the 2018 season........"

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4. Posted by Hardliner, 12/07/2017 6:28

"Now we need to see the teams follow suit, and the Liberty purchase will
disappear in a puff of smoke, leaving the $1BILLION a year that they wanted to extract from the sport each year to be distributed across the teams, the circuits, and cheaper tickets! Persuade me otherwise - what have Liberty done this year to promote motor sport?
"

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5. Posted by mickl, 11/07/2017 21:28

"blah blah blah de blah..da blah de blah...bla blah bla blah blah..blah.....ZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I'm surprised the phrase 'engage with the fans' wasn't wheeled out yet again in that statement.

At least someone at the BRDC has some cojones."

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6. Posted by VC10-1103, 11/07/2017 19:04

"What does a PR savvey organisation like Liberty expect? Silverstone has only done what Liberty would do and made the announcement when Silverstone can maximise the impact of the news.

Announcing the news on a cold dark December day will not make half the impression on the general public that news will make on the eve of the BGP.

We just need more circuits to follow Silverstone lead now."

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7. Posted by Ro, 11/07/2017 15:38

"You have to take your hat off to the BRDC and Silverstone. F1 needs Silverstone more than Silverstone needs F1. Hove Liberty wakes up and does something instead of just spurting out gobbledee-goo. Sonn more tracks will follow suit and all the money Liberty has borrowed will be wasted."

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8. Posted by jackois, 11/07/2017 15:26

"A bit disingenuous by F1... the clause was to be triggered before the 2017 GP if Silverstone decided to end the agreement.

F1 has a huge sense of entitlement. No way BRDC would commit to losing money for longer than it had to. "

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F1 Group hits back at Silverstone decision

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