20/10/2004
NEWS STORY
In a press release the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC), owner of Silverstone, has reacted to Bernie Ecclestone's announcement that talks over the 2005 British GP are at an end.
It reads: "Mr Ecclestone's unilateral decision to cancel the Grand Prix is bad news for Britain," said Sir Jackie Stewart, President of the BRDC. "We were hopeful that a two year deal for keeping the Grand Prix at Silverstone was close to agreement, and we believe that Mr Ecclestone had committed for 2005/2006 to Sports Minister Richard Caborn, MP.
"Fine details of the deal could have been agreed.
"Whilst we understand that Mr. Ecclestone can get more money from new-entry countries and foreign Governments, than either BRDC can afford or the British Government is prepared to support, the end of the British Grand Prix will have serious consequences.
"Mr Ecclestone has delivered a severe body blow to the sport, industry and economy in the UK and to the hundreds of thousands of loyal British fans."
The BRDC Board will meet at Silverstone tomorrow to consider if there is any way Mr Ecclestone's decision can be reversed.