Motor Sport: Ecclestone Fires Silverstone Salvo

Bernie Ecclestone has fired the opening salvo in what promises to be a tense battle to secure the future of the British grand prix at Silverstone after the current contract for the UK round of the formula one world championship expires in 2009.

The formula one commercial rights holder has made it clear he will work on a deal to guarantee the future of the event only if the British Racing Drivers' Club gives up all responsibility for the running of the race. His comments will increase pressure on the BRDC to finalise a new commercial structure and upgrade the circuit's facilities while it works to safeguard Silverstone's grand prix in the face of competition from government-backed events in South Korea and Abu Dhabi that will be included on the calendar over the next couple of years. "I want to deal with a promoter rather than the BRDC," Ecclestone told Autosport magazine.

"It is too difficult with the BRDC because you get no guarantees with them. We've said that unless they can get the circuit to the level expected from so-called Third-World countries, we are not prepared to do a deal. They know what we want them to build."

Silverstone has already revealed its plan to finance the redevelopment of the circuit. A new pit-and-paddock complex, on the site of the current one or between Club and Abbey corners, is compulsory if Silverstone is to hang on to the race.

Ecclestone also suggested the British government should back the grand prix with direct financial assistance. "It is nice to have a British GP because it is the home of formula one," he said. "But a lot is being spent on the Olympics. Perhaps they need to spend some money on formula one."