13/04/2006
NEWS STORY
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It's understood that Bernie Ecclestone has offered the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC), owners of Silverstone, a 50/50 deal which could secure the long-term future of the British Grand Prix at the Northamptonshire track.
The story has been leaked to Autosport magazine - not for the first time - but according to reports elsewhere in the British press, which has clearly been carefully selected and well-briefed, the issue sees Ecclestone go head-to-head, yet again, with former World Champion, and outgoing BRDC President, Jackie Stewart.
The current contract for the British Grand Prix ends in 2009, however, under a plan put together by two-time British F3 Champion Harry Stiller, Ecclestone would be a 50/50 partner in a new long-term joint venture with the BRDC.
In recent times, Stiller has been the leader of a faction within the BRDC arguing against Stewart's plans for the total redevelopment of Silverstone, which would have seen property development company St Modwen given a 150-year lease and the running of the Grand Prix handed over to its subsidiary, Northern Racing. This has culminated in the proposal of a vote of no-confidence in the BRDC board at the club's forthcoming Annual General Meeting on April 28.
Ironically, after years of wrangling between the BRDC and Ecclestone over the future of the event, focus has now shifted to the internal battle within the club.
In the meantime, Stewart, who led the fight against Ecclestone, has stepped down as President and looks likely to be replaced by another former F1 Champion, Damon Hill.
Stiller, a property dealer, has apparently put together his own plan for the redevelopment of the Northamptonshire track, including a theme park, and sees Ecclestone, an "acquaintance" as being instrumental in taking the track forward.
Although he has constantly denied it, many within the business, and in the stands, have long felt that Ecclestone wants to get his hands on Silverstone, which despite his constant put-downs is one of the highlights of the F1 calendar, attracting celebrities, the corporate crowd and limitless fans willing to pay lots of money for 'third world facilities' (his words).
Meanwhile, it appears that within the glass and steel confines of the BRDC, the gloves, and blazers, are off, the cufflinks removed, the shirtsleeves rolled up and the (in) fighting begun, as tradition takes on progress, not forgetting money.
The battle continues.