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Hill slams Ecclestone as Silverstone loses British Grand Prix

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Published Date: 04 July 2008
Damon Hill has severely criticised Bernie Ecclestone after it was revealed that Silverstone is to lose the British Grand Prix to Donington Park.
The attack from Hill, president of the British Racing Drivers' club who own the Northamptonshire circuit, came on the day Ecclestone announced Donington Park would host the British Grand Prix from 2010.

The timing of Ecclestone's announcement could not have been more damaging for the BRDC who this weekend are celebrating their 80th anniversary. It is also Silverstone's 60th birthday.

Formula One supremo Ecclestone, though, could not care as the 77-year-old has run out of patience with the BRDC.

Although plans for a new £30m pit and paddock complex were only recently confirmed, the BRDC's major problem has always been paying Ecclestone his annual fee to host the race.

For all the Silverstone news, click here

With regard to a potential new deal, Ecclestone - via his Formula One Management company - was demanding £11m, with a small percentage increase per annum over the length of the contract.

Given their own multi-million pound redevelopment plans, it is a sum that would have stretched the BRDC, and has left Hill feeling bitterly frustrated.

He believes if Ecclestone and CVC Capital Partners, who run Formula One's commercial arm, had re-invested a fraction of the fortune they make from race organisers then Silverstone would have delivered the facilities demanded.

"There's always been the question of the FOM fee, and ultimately that is the deciding factor," said Hill.

"To quote Bernie, he once said: 'You can have anything you like, as long as you pay too much for it,' but we can't pay too much for something.

"We're in it because we want to be there, but we can't go beyond the balance, the tipping point, and Bernie knows that.

"So it's a huge disappointment, a real blow to our efforts and desire to see the grand prix retained.

"The problem is money goes out and away. There's a question whether that money even returns to Formula One.

"No-one should stand in the way of someone's ability to make a profit, and that's not what this is about.

"But the money from the people (the fans) who come here goes to Formula One, and that money doesn't come back to develop the infrastructure of F1.

"This (Silverstone) is part of the infrastructure of Formula One. The FIA have suggested there are protected events.

"But there are also circuits that are part of the fabric of motor sport - the very first grand prix took place at Silverstone.

"But none of that money has been re-invested with regard to the infrastructure of the circuits.

"It goes out, and it seems to me to be absurd that that money is constantly being sucked out and not re-invested.

"We could have had a fantastic venue. It would have been great for everyone. Everyone would have won."

The BRDC's long-held problem, though, is they are a private members club and have failed to attract Government support, in contrast to every other circuit currently on the calendar.

Donington Park is seemingly in a position to fund their £100m redevelopment programme via a private investor, who is also a major shareholder of Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd.

The company, fronted by computer magnate Simon Gillett and partner Lee Gill, runs the East Midlands track, leasing it from owner Tom Wheatcroft.

It remains to be seen whether two years is sufficient for Donington Park to come up to scratch and host their maiden British race which would be the first of a 10-year deal.

Expressing his frustration with the BRDC, Ecclestone said: "They've had a contract on their desk for a few months and we've been waiting for a signature, but they haven't signed.

"They've been under pressure now (to re-develop) for five years and it's not achieved anything.

"The important thing is we still have a British Grand Prix, whereas we would have lost it 100 per cent."

Referring to the deal with DVLL, he added: "They wanted it done quickly because they have to get cracking.

"In all fairness we've mucked them about. They would have signed three months ago if they could have done.

"But we've been waiting for these people (BRDC). I said we can't do anything until we know it's no-go.

"They (DVLL) asked when that would be, and I said if we hadn't got a definite, positive answer by this race we would be in business with them, and that's what has happened."

Ecclestone has suggested DVLL will be hit with major penalties if they do not deliver a circuit fit for a grand prix on time.

When asked whether two years was sufficient time, he replied: "Who knows? If they put their mind to it then I am sure they will."

But this may not be the end of the matter as in 1999 Brands Hatch was confirmed as the home of the British Grand Prix from 2002.

Circuit owner at the time, Nicola Foulston, sold out to marketing group Octagon, who in turn signed a deal with Silverstone when it became clear Brands Hatch could not be redeveloped to host a grand prix.

Do you think Bernie Ecclestone is right to move the British Grand Prix from Silverstone? Have your say by posting a comment below or click here to email the Chron

MESSAGE RECEIVED BY EMAIL
i think Bernie Ecclestone is a total disgrace and should be sacked from his position, Silverstone have done everything possible to save the grand prix and he is more than likely getting a back hander from the owners of Donnington. What a huge disappointment for Silverstone on its first sell out weekend and what a great shame for this area.
Surely everyone should appeal and bombard him with complaints.
Paula

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  • Last Updated: 04 July 2008 8:58 PM
  • Source: n/a
  • Location: Northampton
 
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Fed up living in Northampton,

Northampton 04/07/2008 12:47:25
This is the best thing that could happen! Donington is a far better circuit both for drivers and spectators so I for one am chuffed!
2

Joe Joyce,

Northampton 04/07/2008 13:43:43
The only uncertainty in this issue has been caused by Mr Ecclestone's procrastination!

He has been against Silverstone no matter what is done or proposed. He has now got his way.

This is a great blow for the British Grand Prix and Northamptonshire.
3

,

04/07/2008 13:52:10
Comment Reported Unsuitable By User
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Willfromthornby,

04/07/2008 13:53:07
What the 1st person who a comment does not realise is the impact this will have on Northants economy. The town is already struggling and this is a real blow. Bernie Ecclestone has finally got what he wanted - the git!
5

Blackjohn,

Polishing Hamiltons helmet 04/07/2008 13:53:51
I'll miss the Red Arrows. Can they still do a turn once a year just for me?

F1 fans are quite appauling, so at least we won't have to put up with their dreadful clothing and even worse driving.
6

Helen_in_Lumbertubs,

Lumbertubs 04/07/2008 20:00:50
Well he has been threatening us for a few years now hasn't he. Its such a shame as a lot of people around the world only know where Northampton is because of the F1 GP. We have bent over backwards to improve roads and policing for this event!!Can not help thinking Bernie has got it wrong wrong wrong! BERNIE LEAVE OUR GP ALONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Middle England,

Towcester 04/07/2008 21:05:09
£40m out of our local economy is a hugh blow. And for what? "Plans" for Donnington - which won't even be in place by 2010. And the timing of the announcement is such a slap in the face by Bernie Ecclestone.

But what really takes the biscuit is that I understand that one of those promoting the Donnington scheme is a member of BRDC. Talk about a conflict of interest!

So what will fill this enormous hole in our local economy? This for us is like British Steel leaving Corby.
8

Roger Mellie,

Moving to Donnington 04/07/2008 21:19:05
Whats Hill on about? F1 is as much a business as Premier League Football, and Ecclestone is the commercial rights holder. If a rival business has beaten them to the punch then the BRDC have only themselves to blame. We don't see the ramblings of other local businessmen reporduced in the Chron when they lose out on a contract to a rival, so why is Hill given such consideration?

And how do we arive at the £40 million loss to the local economy figure? If the BRDC were getting techy about paying out (a rising) £11 million, then I would judge that £40 figure to be optimistic. The event has been in potential jeapordy for some years and the money which was spent on improving the surrounbding road network has been pretty much wasted. Us locals should be looking closer to home before complaining about Ecclestones impact on the local economy.

In any case, Donny (and Brands too) are better circuits and deserve the race if it is to be a truly prestigious event.
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Steve Johnson,

Northampton 04/07/2008 21:31:41
Ecclestone is a greedy git, and has had it in for Silverstone for years.
10

Helen_in_Lumbertubs,

04/07/2008 21:49:05
Time for a breakaway GP me thinks.
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