British Grand Prix

[Bob Bull]

Silverstone have announced that they have secured the future of the Grand Prix at Silverstone by agreeing a 17 year contract with FOM (Bernie E). At the Grosvenor Hotel in Park Lane we members of the International Media gathered to hear the news from a clearly delighted Damon Hill and Richard Phillips.
The terms agreed are secret between the two parties but the BRDC are happy that they have a sound financial basis from which to move forward with confidence, and not to have put the club in jeopardy.
Because the only income that the circuit receives is from ticket sales there is now a major marketing excerise to be undertaken due to the shorter than normal time frame, we were given the impression that the ticket prices would not rise, or at least not by much, and the organisers will be seeking to give as much value for money as possible to spectators. New on-site camping facilities are planned with all mod cons, and a lot of work will be done to improve and extend viewing for the paying public as well as improved access, asked whether the new long term contract would mean an end to Bernie's constant whingeing about facilities, Damon quipped that they were planning a harbour to keep him happy.

Work on the new MotoGP track extension has started and the FIA have homologated the design as being suitable to be used for Formula 1 cars, so we may see a revised circuit from 2011.

Damon Hill did sugest that if you were short of what to buy the children this Christmas, tickets for both GPs would be a good idea.

Get booking now!!

[Mary Lindsay]

That is fantastic news!
I should think so too.

[Dave McDonald]

Brilliant News for Silverstone and at least the UK keeps its Grand Prix.
What a pity it was necessary to destroy Donington to achieve it !!

Dave McD

[Jim Mountain]

I'm pleased that there is going to be a British GP but at what cost ?

The way i see it, Donnington have been shafted by the BRDC and Bernie, they started 2009 with a 17 year contract to hold the British GP and Bernie giving them his full support, when he knew full well they didn't have the finance in place when the contracts where signed, now 12 months on, Donnington has been left as a building site with no money, and they've also lost the Moto GP to Silverstone in with the deal.

I understand that the "credit crunch" has had it's part to play, but, can't help thinking theres been somthing underhand gone on !

[Bob Bull]

Something underhand Jim?

I am sure you are right, but equally sure that Silverstone played no part in it, I was at the circuit when the news broke on the Friday of the Grand Prix, and the shock was palpable.

Like many people I have felt all along it was a typical Ecclestone ploy to drive up prices, if Gillet succeeded it would have been at an inflated price, and by returning to Silverstone was able to extract a higher price from the BRDC.

I do start to believe that Bernie would like to sell our race to some higher bidder, but the pressure from teams, drivers and probably government was too much to ignore. I understand that FOTA have made a proposal to the FIA that certain events should be mandatory on the calendar to retain the sports historic connection with Europe.Let us hope that common sense prevails and Britain, France, Germany, Belgium and Italy are cemented into the schedule. No doubt Monaco was never under threat.

The fate of Donington would not figure in Ecclestone's plans I'm sure.

[Katy Thompson]

As a spectator and a supporter, Donnington is and has been my favourite track. I think what has happened is tragic and potentially the death knell for Donnington. I really hope that Donnington finds its way back, although it's difficult to see how. Whilst I've never been a fan of the Silverstone circuit,I find it boring, I am pleased that there will be a British GP race but I feel the price could be too high.

All that has happened is that I have become even more irritated with Bernie and the FIA. It is clear that the focus is on financial gain and not motorsport and good races.

rant over.

Katy.

[Bob Bull]

rant over.

Well done Katy,that is just what we want on this site a good old fashioned rant, in fact we do not get enough ranting on the forum. Sometimes I begin to suspect that Morgan drivers are about as lively as a comatose amoeba judging by the quality of their contributions on various subjects. It is nice to see that there is some genuine passion still left in the world, and let's face it if a lady can't rant here, where can she. You go right ahead and spare not others feelings, get it off your chest and I for one will look forward to your next effort with eager anticipation. Remember the words of the late great Buddy Holly

" Rave On"

By the way, how did the dinner go?


Kindest regards,

Your Fan, Bob.

[Dave McDonald]

To use other Buddy Holly connections, let's hope that Donington will "Not Fade Away" and that the Wheatcroft family , even without Tom, will say "That'll be the Day."
Let's all hope that Donington can be succesfully resurrected. I am sure that like Katy it is many people's favourite circuit.

Regards
Dave McD

[Leigh Sebba]

I did read one news article that said we should go out to buy tickets for all events at Silverstone – to help its cash input to pay the huge GP fees over the coming years. So perhaps there will be mega crowds for BDC event ?

I suspect in years to come it will come to light that the deal was brokered by an intrepid modest behind the scenes radio presenter with the initials BB. Rumour has it (started by me just now) is that a condition of the deal is that the support race at the GP is to be a round of the Morgan challenge.

Personally I’m waiting for the GP to return to Brands – where one can get a reasonable view of much of the circuit.