GPWizard F1 Forum
F1 News & Discussions => General F1 Discussion => Topic started by: Wizzo on April 14, 2006, 09:27:10 PM
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The owners of Silverstone have given a cautious welcome to reports that F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone is backing a new proposal to redevelop the venue. The new plan would see the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) - which owns the track - and Ecclestone jointly promoting the British Grand Prix.
BRDC president Sir Jackie Stewart said: "I'd be happy to hear any proposal. "Previously Bernie has not shown any interest. This may be a change of position, which I am encouraged by." The 66-year-old, who will stand down as president at the end of this month, added: "We speak quite often and this has not come up, but that doesn't mean it isn't a good idea. "Without hearing exactly what the proposal is I can't say much more."
If Mr Ecclestone is prepared to assist, we would look at it - the door is open
The BRDC and Ecclestone would share the costs of upgrading the circuit and split the profits from gate money and sponsorship and advertising revenues but all the assets would be retained by the BRDC.
The BRDC and Ecclestone signed a contract last December, securing Silverstone's role as the host of the British Grand Prix until 2009.
Come on! Lets get the red tape out of they way and give Silverstone the much needed update it deserves :good:
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Update
Doubts have emerged over plans to involve Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone in the redevelopment of Silverstone after a new twist in the power struggle at the British Racing Drivers' Club.
Rebel member Harry Stiller, an ex-Formula Three champion, last week unveiled a deal with Ecclestone as part of his efforts to remove the BRDC board.
That proposal was for an equal partnership to share the cost of rebuilding Silverstone, which the BRDC own, and promoting the British Grand Prix.
But PA Sport understands Ecclestone has privately denied agreeing to such a deal, while Stiller has moved to postpone the vote of no confidence in the BRDC board which he initiated.
Stiller contacted BRDC chairman Stuart Rolt on Friday, proposing to delay the extraordinary general meeting set for April 28, in return for payment of his £7,000-plus legal bill.
BRDC president Sir Jackie Stewart said: "He suggested he would like the EGM postponed or put off. In return for doing that he would like us to pay his legal costs.
"We do not wish to do so but it gives some idea of the kind of person we are dealing with.
"I am confused by his tactics. I rather suspect he's been told by Bernie that all the things he has said are not reality and he wants more time to pull together the proposal."
Since the Ecclestone proposal was made public last Thursday, Stewart claims no further details have been forthcoming, despite the BRDC board welcoming the plan.