....how about the Vodaphone Silverstone Motor Racing Circuit? or McLaren Silverstone (PR benefits, 'local' test track, £25mil? drop in the ocean - even after the fine) and they could charge Ferrari to race there!!! ....
What a cracking idea. McLaren should buy the place lock stock and barrell. The RAC had the chance in the 60s and turned their noses up at it. I bet they're kicking themselves now.
McLaren owning the place would be a good way around it.
it's all very well Mclaren owning the track for 3 days of a grand prix weekend but what about the rest of the year? how are they going to make money apart from hosting a few races for lesser formulas and motorcycles?
Thats why BRDC are having a problem raising the cash, but a big time sponsor like Vodaphone, Red Bull etc, or especially a British based constructor, like McL, there would have other benefits.
Lower formulas cost less to stage and are probably profitable and other other activities - race drive school, experience days etc etc should make Silverstone viable in its own right. The benfits to a constructor of a local 'private' test track of the calibre of a revamped Silverstone would be a major bonus. Evn if they didn't own it lock stock & barrel but were major share holders.
I must say that I dont know the figures but I beleive that the circuit is proffitable now, they just dont have the funds to upgrade it.
Strive to be fast, strive to be first but, above all, strive to be alive.
Martin
