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[F1tastic]

From ITV Webshite

Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has criticised the UK government for its refusal to bankroll improvements to the Silverstone circuit.

The British Grand Prix venue's place on the Formula 1 calendar remains in doubt beyond 2009 unless the track's owners, the BRDC, can find the finance to forge ahead with its £25m redevelopment master-plan.

The Minister for Sport, Gerry Sutcliffe MP, ruled out direct financial support for the venture earlier this month saying: "We can't do that and we've not been asked to at this stage".

But Ecclestone, who has long been critical of Silverstone's facilities and infrastructure, believes that without government support, the British Grand Prix may not survive.

"Britain is supposed to be the heart of Formula One racing and our circuit is bottom of the list," he told the BBC.

"With a tiny percentage of what the government are wasting on the Olympics, they could support Silverstone."

"It's not for us [Formula One Management] to say where the money comes from but it's strange because most of the events we have now are supported by governments."

The 77-year-old, who also recently said that he still hadn't written off his dream to bring the sport to the City of London, which will host the Olympic Games in 2012, said that he was mystified by the lack of support for the idea.

"Mayor Ken Livingstone was very helpful and we laid a plan out of what we could do," he said.

"It would have happened, it was just a question of where the money was going to come from.

"It would cost a small amount compared to what they're spending on the Olympics.

"If they look at it from a pure business point of view, all the revenue it would bring in, I just don't understand why it isn't happening."

What do you think? Seems odd that the UK govt can find billions for he Olympics but nothing for F1, but on the other hand they can't afford to feed our troops or equip them properly either. Tough one.

[texasmr2]

For the sake of F1 I pray they do work something out, losing Silverstone would be a travesty !

[Martin]

In a recent post about cost cutting for the teams the general view was that cost cutiing wouldn't work because, basicaly, the sport is awash with cash.
It doesn't add up to me that the teams, even the smaller ones do not seem to be too short of cash (although the smaller teams could always use more), the FIA is not short of cash, Bernies F1 mangement is not short of cash either. We have multimillion pound drivers whoes saleries make even footballers look cheap, lavish motor homes etc etc, so why is that all F1 events, according to Bernie, need government sponsorship?.
£25m may be peanuts compared to the cost of the Olympics, but its also peanuts to the running costs of the teams. maybe the teams, especially the British based ones, could fund the refurbishment of the home of F1. Done on a business loan basis it shou;ld not really present a problem. I dont think that the Olympics is a fair comparrison, that is an event that only happens every 4 years and only in the same place every 50 years, and, if we are to beleive what we are told, much of that cost is to provide housing and facilities after the event is over.
I dont see the government bailing out struugling football clubs or racehorse trainers or cricket clubs and nor should they.
The BRDC has to have a more creative approach to solving this problem, Silverstone must be preserved, I am biased because I do see Silverstone as the home of motor racing and of F1 in particullar. I have also had the previlage of driving around, and racing on the circuit many times.
There is so much about Silverstone that must make it attractive to investors, it must be possible to raise the finance somehow.
I hope so

[toothe]

yeah i hope they can sort it out. or move it to somewhere else, brands hatch or donnington park obviously could hold a gp.

[F1tastic]

.... donnington park obviously could hold a gp.

Donnington is one of the few places in poorer condition than Silverstone. Better more central location though, apart from one reason - they'll never hold it there because the traffic snarl ups around East Midands Airport would be horrendous, no question. Leicesteshire police would object big time. Bike GPs are one thing - F1 quite another in terms of spectator numbers.

[Selcouth_Feline]

£25m may be peanuts compared to the cost of the Olympics, but its also peanuts to the running costs of the teams. maybe the teams, especially the British based ones, could fund the refurbishment of the home of F1. Done on a business loan basis it shou;ld not really present a problem. I dont think that the Olympics is a fair comparrison, that is an event that only happens every 4 years and only in the same place every 50 years

I think this a good argument for spending MORE on F1 than on the Olympics - why are we forking out so much money on a single event, when surely a steady flow of money each year would be better? (I'm biased on this matter because I used to live in London and I wasn't amused at how much our rates went up to pay for this sillyness. As an ex-tube-commuter, I'm also wondering quite how our increibly poor public transport is going to cope with the Olympic traffic too.....)

The BRDC has to have a more creative approach to solving this problem, Silverstone must be preserved, I am biased because I do see Silverstone as the home of motor racing and of F1 in particullar. I have also had the previlage of driving around, and racing on the circuit many times.
There is so much about Silverstone that must make it attractive to investors, it must be possible to raise the finance somehow.
I hope so

I think they have been a bit creative. The new plans look good - to me, they look like a good business plan. Therefore I'm surprised at the lack of interest that this is getting, particularly given the UK has got F1 fever thanks to Hamilton. The 'new look' Silverstone is going to have a new conference centre, hotels, housing and a new technology park (for business??) so I find it slightly surprising no one has stepped in an offered at least partial funding.

[Martin]

£25m may be peanuts compared to the cost of the Olympics, but its also peanuts to the running costs of the teams. maybe the teams, especially the British based ones, could fund the refurbishment of the home of F1. Done on a business loan basis it shou;ld not really present a problem. I dont think that the Olympics is a fair comparrison, that is an event that only happens every 4 years and only in the same place every 50 years

I think this a good argument for spending MORE on F1 than on the Olympics - why are we forking out so much money on a single event, when surely a steady flow of money each year would be better? (I'm biased on this matter because I used to live in London and I wasn't amused at how much our rates went up to pay for this sillyness. As an ex-tube-commuter, I'm also wondering quite how our increibly poor public transport is going to cope with the Olympic traffic too.....)

The BRDC has to have a more creative approach to solving this problem, Silverstone must be preserved, I am biased because I do see Silverstone as the home of motor racing and of F1 in particullar. I have also had the previlage of driving around, and racing on the circuit many times.
There is so much about Silverstone that must make it attractive to investors, it must be possible to raise the finance somehow.
I hope so

I think they have been a bit creative. The new plans look good - to me, they look like a good business plan. Therefore I'm surprised at the lack of interest that this is getting, particularly given the UK has got F1 fever thanks to Hamilton. The 'new look' Silverstone is going to have a new conference centre, hotels, housing and a new technology park (for business??) so I find it slightly surprising no one has stepped in an offered at least partial funding.

If they government spends more (or any)money on F1 every other sport in need of cash will demand their share. Yes I dont live in London so I wont suffer the problems of the Olympics and I can see your point on that. But, and I have no reason to defend the Olympics, the bottom line cost wont be that much after the enourmonse income is in.
I agree the plans do look good. I meant that they need to be creative in their 'fund raising'. I agree I am surprised that no-one seems to be showing an interest.

[deMuRe]

Bernie has gotten so rich out of this sport he should put something back and turn Silverstone into the Jewel of the F1 calendar...

[racechick]

Yes I agree with that. If Bernie thinks Silverstone isnt good enough then he could fund an overhaul. Thing is, Ive been to Silverstone loads of times and i love it just the way it is, Its brill! . Only other F1 track ive been to is Turkey, It was a great track and the racing was good. specially GP2 but compared to silverstone the atmosphere was poo. Id still go again but it is not comparable with silverstone-miles from anywhere. not allowed to take drinks in,very very basic food available at ridiculous prices. No doubt the infield and the hospitality areas are great but for the real fans it was poor. Silverstone has way more to offer. Bernie is not interested in the real fans tho.

[7UpJordan]

Taking Silverstone away from the F1 calendar would be blasphemy, Bernie's going to have to submit soon and realise having the best facilities isn't everything, remember they took Silverstone off the 2005 calendar but then put it back on again.

[Selcouth_Feline]

Yes I agree with that. If Bernie thinks Silverstone isnt good enough then he could fund an overhaul.

True, but when you have so many other countries clamouring to host a GP and not enough calendar space, if you prefer the money to the tradition it makes sense to go for a GP which will pay you, rather than you having to pay for it....

[racechick]

I spose. But Bernie has so much money(And a gigantic wife!!!!)To take away silverstone would be like ripping the heart out of motor racing-it would be very sad

[McLaren Fan]

With the Lewis Hamilton factor as well taking away the British Grand Prix might do more harm than good for Ecclestone.

In the grand scheme of running a country, £25 million is not bank breaking, however, it could probably build several schools or hospitals, which I think most people would prefer.

How about do a charity donation: Ecclestone, the teams, the government et al. all put in a little bit? Or, how about look for businesses to pay for part of in exchange for advertising etc.

All of those may not be feasible but they're worth trying. This saga has been going on for too long and needs sorting out.

[racechick]

Well Darling has just spent the equivalent of 30 millenium domes by underwriting Northern rock! £1500 per takpayer is it? Whats a little racetrack in the Northamptonshire countryside compared to that!!

[McLaren Fan]

Well Darling has just spent the equivalent of 30 millenium domes by underwriting Northern rock! £1500 per takpayer is it? Whats a little racetrack in the Northamptonshire countryside compared to that!!

That's very true. There is no doubt governments are useless, this Labour government being the worst I have ever seen, even beating Major's shambles of 'government', however, I'm not sit it's relevant. I daresay there would be a reasonable amount of opposition if the government decided to help Silverstone, particularly when Formula One is a multi-billion pound industry.

If I were in the government I'd try as best as possible to find another solution. If it failed to materialise I would weigh up the pros and cons of the matter and decide on that. Ultimately you have a responsibility to all of the tax payers to make the right call.