Silverstone - The New Plan

GEOFF THOMAS · 13 Apr 2006, 06:27 (Ref:1580061)

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

Rebel plan backed by Ecclestone
By Kevin Garside
(Filed: 13/04/2006)

Formula One commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone is at the centre of an initiative to redevelop Silverstone and guarantee the British Grand Prix for the next 10 years. The plan will be presented to the British Racing Drivers' Club on the same day this month that Damon Hill is expected to be elected the BRDC president.

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A new, smaller board would then be formed, possibly led by Ray Bellm, the former chairman who lost out to Stewart in a power struggle a year ago, and assisted by the incoming Hill in his new role as president, the dream ticket for rebels seeking a change of direction at the home of British motor sport.

See Today's Autosport for more details,

Geoff Thomas.

Dutton · 13 Apr 2006, 06:39 (Ref:1580071)

That seems like a promising proposal.

ausracefan · 13 Apr 2006, 08:02 (Ref:1580130)

I like it. Better than the housing estate idea. Well, if this one works, atleast we know that it will be on the calendar alot longer

dazbaz_99 · 13 Apr 2006, 08:27 (Ref:1580151)

Yes, a far more realistic and promising proposal. One that also seems like it wont interfere with the calendar a great deal, allowing the circuit to still run effectively during any construction time. Good one Bernie i say.

Suze · 13 Apr 2006, 08:44 (Ref:1580161)

Much better plan, liking it. Especially seeing as it doesn't involve housing....

James North · 13 Apr 2006, 15:48 (Ref:1580484)

I think it's time the BRDC stopped it's infighting and pulled it's finger out.

If that means going into partnership with Berie Ecclestone, then so be it. And lets face it, there are many worse things they could do, many of which they have already explored.

Having Bernie properly involved would be a bonus.

nickyf1 · 13 Apr 2006, 16:38 (Ref:1580517)

there going to build an oval at silverstone! see the my tracks forum for the thread on this.

gfm · 13 Apr 2006, 16:56 (Ref:1580524)

I can remember three 'deals' offered in the past, to the BRDC by Eccleston but I cannot remember one he acted upon.

Flat12-Aircool · 13 Apr 2006, 17:12 (Ref:1580536)

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickyf1

there going to build an oval at silverstone! see the my tracks forum for the thread on this.

There isn't a "my tracks" forum.

Where are you on about?

**Adam43** · 13 Apr 2006, 17:13 (Ref:1580537)

My Tracks

Piglet · 13 Apr 2006, 19:49 (Ref:1580655)

Am I the only person who thinks it's wrong that the person with the clout to make sure that a circuit get's a GP is also doing deals to make money out of them?

Part of the problem the BRDC have is that they have no long term guarantee of a GP, why would they spend x million quid on circuit upgrades if they have no guarantee of any income from those upgrades? So they get offered a guaranteed GP for ten years if they do a deal....

Sorry, it's just not right.

**Adam43** · 13 Apr 2006, 20:51 (Ref:1580714)

'san ou'rage oi tell yer

Piglet · 13 Apr 2006, 20:57 (Ref:1580721)

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamAshmore

'san ou'rage oi tell yer

http://babelfish.altavista.com/

Flat12-Aircool · 13 Apr 2006, 21:35 (Ref:1580755)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Piglet

Part of the problem the BRDC have is that they have no long term guarantee of a GP, why would they spend x million quid on circuit upgrades if they have no guarantee of any income from those upgrades? So they get offered a guaranteed GP for ten years if they do a deal....

Sorry, it's just not right.

I think the prospect of Silverstone losing the GP is a huge smoke screen. As long as there's a British GP then Silverstone will have it. Check out the interview with Jonathan Palmer in Autosport the other week and he says he has no interest in trying to bring F1 to Brands Hatch as the change's they'd need to make to the venue are not worth the hassle.

So the question remains who is the competition to Silverstone for the British GP? Answer = Apart from a mythical "London GP" there isn't one as even Donington would need more than just a new pitlane! So the only apparent danger is for Britain to lose the GP altogether, and this IMO is a non-starter for Bernie as it would bring a massive backlash from the fans and not forgeting THE TEAMS, so would equally for Bernie not be worth the hassle.

So IMO, Bernie has no choice but to offer the British GP to Silverstone for 10 years anyway. And let's face it Bernies no "spring chicken" and he's not going to be around forever so I think Bernie ought to grasp this opportunity to use some of his vast wealth (which he can't take with him) to leave a lasting legacy for British Motorsport fans.

And who knows, in years to come he may even get a statue erected in his honour!

bauble · 14 Apr 2006, 18:35 (Ref:1582371)

At least a statue of Bernie would not cost very much.

Suze · 14 Apr 2006, 18:48 (Ref:1582386)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flat12-Aircool

So IMO, Bernie has no choice but to offer the British GP to Silverstone for 10 years anyway.

If he wants to keep it here that long....!

marzF1rocks · 15 Apr 2006, 14:22 (Ref:1582868)

its great silverstone is being devolped....
Hopefully it may bring out some more talent from great britian

ANT1... · 15 Apr 2006, 19:10 (Ref:1583002)

Having read the proposals in the Autosport magazine, i think that none of the proposals can go wrong if the right planning and preparation etc etc goes ahead.

Hope it all goes well and Silverstone thrives long into the future!

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