31/07/2007
NEWS STORY
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At an Extraordinary General Meeting convened at Silverstone on Monday, the members of the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) voted overwhelmingly (80%) to support the Club's plans to enable the redevelopment of Silverstone's facilities.
Should terms now be agreed with Formula One Management (FOM) - and with continued support from local and national government - this ringing endorsement by Club members enables the BRDC executive to start to deliver on it s plan to host the Grand Prix beyond its current contract which expires in 2009.
In parallel, this vital vote enables Silverstone to realise its owners' ambition for it to become more than a Grand Prix circuit, and to retain its position within the heart of Great Britain's 'motor sport valley'.
The BRDC's long term objective is to expand Silverstone's function and relevance to motor sport, leading technologies, education and training and to ensure that the UK continues to be the global leader in these specialist areas.
Damon Hill, President of the BRDC said "This vote is a great result for the future of British motor sport. The BRDC's Master Plan is not only important to Silverstone and its continued hosting of the British Grand Prix, but also the development of the sport in this country. We can only continue to develop exciting young stars like Lewis Hamilton if we have the best facilities at which to nurture such talent. Having won the British Grand Prix myself I know how special it is for a driver to win their home Grand Prix, so we would very much like, as a Racing Drivers' Club, which the BRDC is, for that opportunity to be there for future generations."
Robert Brooks, Chairman of the BRDC, said "We are truly delighted to have this opportunity to demonstrate the overwhelming support of the members of the British Racing Drivers' Club for the retention of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. This is a further clear demonstration of the club's absolute commitment to deliver a world-class venue of which British motor sport enthusiasts can be truly proud."
Mr. Brooks went on to say that "Governments around the world are recognising the importance of motor sport in their economic mix and we need to create a community at Silverstone that encompasses every aspect of the sport, its associated industry and the development of new talent in every area of these world-changing activities. If we can achieve these targets we will not only secure our global position at the top of this high-tech sector, but also offer sustainable growth for the entire region."
It is estimated that the Master Plan will allow up to six million square feet of new development over the next 10 years and includes concepts for new grandstands, new pit and paddock facilities, a science park, a manufacturer test centre, and a hotel and conference resource in addition to a small amount of residential development.
In addition, planning permission has already been given to Porsche Cars GB to develop a Porsche Driving Experience Facility at the east of the circuit. The world class training facility, named the "Porsche Driving Experience Centre Silverstone", will be built on a 10.2 hectare plot that is on the outside of Becketts corner on the Grand Prix circuit. Once complete it will allow every customer of a new Porsche in the UK, to receive expert tuition on the performance capabilities and safety systems on their cars. Ground will be broken on the site this summer and it should become operational by summer 2008.