Silverstone: We'll look at hosting rival F1 series
British Racing Drivers' Club chairman Robert Brooks has confirmed Silverstone would consider hosting a grand prix for the breakaway series.
Formula One was last night rocked to its foundations when the eight members of Formula One Teams' Association announced they are to split from the sport and set up a rival organisation.
Such a series would involve racing at circuits currently not used by F1, and that could include Silverstone as the venue stages the last British Grand Prix of its contract this weekend.
The Northamptonshire track would certainly come into consideration should the rival formula manage to get off the ground.
When asked about the prospects of such a race taking place at the circuit, which is owned by the BRDC, Brooks acknowledged it was viable.
Speaking prior to FOTA's announcement, Brooks said: "We're a business, and if there was another race we would have to consider it, but we are very much part of the (Formula One) family."
Highlighting Silverstone's positive points, even though the circuit has long been criticised by F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, Brooks added: "I admit we're not up with some of the Arab circuits.
"But this is still a pretty good set-up, in pretty good shape. It's profitable, run well, has a capacity crowd, people like it, teams like it, drivers like it. It's a successful grand prix.
"I've heard people say we're in the top bracket of the European circuits, some would say the middle bracket, but I've never ever heard anyone say we're in the bottom bracket.
"I would say that right now the circuit is in the best nick I've seen it, and we will have a sell-out capacity crowd this weekend."
Silverstone's failure in Ecclestone's eyes has been the lethargy in development, although that is primarily due to the high race fees commanded by the 78-year-old.
Although Silverstone makes a profit each year, it has never been enough to build the upgrades demanded by Ecclestone, most notably a new pit and paddock complex and main grandstand.
Those pieces of the puzzle are due to come to fruition, but only as fast as Silverstone's finances will allow.
"Of course, we aspire to improve the facilities, we are constantly re-investing the profits into this place," confirmed Brooks.
"This idea Silverstone is running to pump money into a members' bonanza is just not the fact. The fact is we are a tight business.
"Running a circuit anywhere around the world is a tight business, but then the FOM (Formula One Management) fee structure is pretty severe everywhere, and that's why the margins are tight.
"I'm not knocking that. One of the reasons we are here is because of what FOM have done over the years.
"What I'm saying is Silverstone is an efficient business that's run well, making a good profit.
"If this is to be our last grand prix this weekend, we will go out on a high.
"On Saturday we're going to have the largest crowd I can recall, which is edging up towards six figures, and on Sunday we're a sell-out, 100,000 plus.
"The final total is likely to be our best attended grand prix, so we're in great shape."
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