10/09/2004
NEWS STORY
F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has once again put the future of the British GP in doubt, hinting that the offer made by the BRDC earlier this week may not be enough.
With no promoter for the British event after the former promoter Interpublic handed the rights back to Ecclestone, Silverstone's owners, the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC), said that it would promote the event for the next three years.
However, talking to BBC Radio's Five Live today Ecclestone hinted that the offer was not acceptable.
"They know what the conditions are," he said, "and if they want to sign the contract then we are happy to sign immediately."
However, the contract that Bernie wants signed is for at least seven years and considerably more than the BRDC is willing, or able, to pay.
When asked if Britain could lose its Grand Prix, Ecclestone said, "I don't know. Maybe we will find another promoter."
Further doubt was cast on the event's future by FIA president Max Mosley. "There has to be a promoter," he said. "If they offer Bernie less than the usual fee for the race, then he can say no. It is a sort of rate card. We cannot put a race on the calendar unless there is a promoter for the race."
If the BRDC's offer is not accepted and no alternative promoter can be found, the British event could be missing from the provisional 2005 calendar when it is issued next month.
Silverstone hosted the very first Formula One World Championship Grand Prix in July 1950.