Bernie Ecclestone has shocked many F1 fans by stating that Formula 1 doesn’t need a British Grand Prix.
Talking in the Daily Express about the deal that Silverstone have been presented with after the apparent collapse of Donington’s F1 bid, Ecclestone confirmed that it is a similar deal to what had been on the table previously.
“Silverstone have a contract in front of them. We’ve no commercial arrangement in place for a British Grand Prix for next year. That is why the race has an asterisk beside it on the 2010 calendar.
“If they can’t make it work then don’t do it. If that happens, there won’t be a British Grand Prix. Simple as that.
“No-one is forcing them to take it. This is business. We have offered them a deal.”
Ecclestone ruled out Britain being given a cut rate, similar to those enjoyed by Monza and Monaco as the sport’s “traditional” grands prix.
“The contract they have is the contract we like,” he said. “We are not prepared to charge less. Do we need a British Grand Prix? No.
“I want a British Grand Prix, of course, but we are not going to do special rates for Britain.”
What are your thoughts on this? Is Bernie right? Do we need a British Grand Prix?