Oct 31, 2009

Team bosses speak some sense on British GP

While Bernie Ecclestone seems to have a take it or leave it attitude towards a Formula One race in England, the sport’s teams seem to understand history a bit better.

Asked in the regular press conference prior to the Abu Dhabi race to comment on Ecclestone’s suggestion that the sport does not need the British Grand Prix, the team bosses present disagreed.

Formula One is what it is because of the balance of races it has, the history it has, the heritage it has and the reason that Formula One as a championship and as a series is so attractive to countries like Abu Dhabi and the new races we're going to is because of that heritage and that history, and if we destroy that, then perhaps we don't remain as attractive for countries in the future,” said Brawn boss Ross Brawn.

“So we've got to get a balance between keeping the history and heritage of Formula One and the new opportunities we have at fantastic circuits like this, so I think it would be a tragedy if we lost Silverstone and I hope Bernie can find a solution with Silverstone to keep the race there.”

On the other hand, Ecclestone seems to have adopted a “take it or leave it” attitude toward the British Grand Prix, insisting that the deal he offered Silverstone is fair and will not be re-visited despite the circuit’s position that it’s not a viable deal.

“They've got a contract, if they want to sign it, we'd be delighted, if they don't want to sign, it's okay,” Ecclestone said in the paddock at Abu Dhabi. “But the negotiations are finished, we've been negotiating too long.”

Silverstone moved back into the F1 picture after Donington Park could not come up with the funds it needs to host the race. The circuit was to host the race for 10 seasons beginning in 2010. Silverstone has hosted the British Grand Prix since 1987.

“I really sincerely hope that now that the Donington bit appears to have stumbled, that a solution can be found between Silverstone and FOM, and I'm sure that every effort is being made to achieve that,” said Red Bull Boss Christian Horner.

“We would certainly see Silverstone as a great loss from the calendar should it not be there in 2010.”

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