Silverstone wins the British Grand Prix

The year 2010 was supposed to see a change of venue for the British Grand Prix. After multiple changes of decision and difficult negotiations, it is ultimately Silverstone that will continue to host Formula 1 in England for another 17 years. Donington Park was unable to prove its potential.

For several days, the FIA and Bernie Ecclestone – who manage F1 – were expected to announce the circuit on which the 2010 British Grand Prix would be held. The meeting took place today, Monday, and Ecclestone confirmed the signing of a 17-year contract with Silverstone, in Northamptonshire.

In 2010, Ecclestone wanted change. Donington had won the tender launched a few months earlier, but under conditions. The circuit had to be completely renovated. Unfortunately, the promoters never found the money to carry out the work, and negotiations with Silverstone naturally resumed. It was the British Racing Drivers’ Club, equivalent to the FFSA, that announced the information. The circuit will also host the Moto GP next year.

« Silverstone’s title as the home of sport is real, » assures Damon Hill, the president of the BRDC.

« We are all aware that the British Grand Prix is much more than just an event. It is also important for the industry throughout the country. Losing it would have been very damaging and perhaps we would never have had another Grand Prix here in the future. We had to react. »

Work will begin at Silverstone to create new pits. They will start after Christmas and be completed in time for the 2011 F1 season.

The British GP has already been held 43 times at Silverstone since 1950 and the start of the F1 World Championship. However, Richard Philips wants to work on the experience for spectators attending the races: « We are trying to gradually improve the circuit, enhancing the pit area, visibility, stands, and access for the fans who travel here.

Silverstone currently has a circuit under construction in addition to the one intended for F1. The Arena could nonetheless be used as early as next year to fulfill a clause in the contract: “We must improve safety on the circuit, otherwise the contract stipulates that it can be terminated in just 10 years. The new circuit still needs to be homologated by the FIA. We hope to race on it as early as this summer, otherwise, there will always be the old track,” concludes the circuit manager.