The future of the British Grand Prix on the Formula One calendar will finally be decided on Monday, with the "finer points" of a new contract between the British Racing Drivers Club owners and Bernie Ecclestone set to be decided by then.
The future of the British leg of the F1 tour has been under threat since the woefully optimistic efforts to get Donington Park ready to host the race from 2010 ended in financial disaster, with funds unavailable and the Donington organisers placed in administration.
Since then, the usual politicising between Ecclestone and Silverstone has begun again, as both sides tried to come to an agreement to take the rights for the British race back to the Northamptonshire circuit.
The main sticking point has been the 'elevator payments' owed to FOM by the track to host the race, which will increase well above inflation over the next ten years. But most of the issues now seem to have been resolved.
Speaking about the prospects for the contract to be signed to secure the British GP's long-term future, BRDC president Damon Hill said that there was still a possibility that the race would not go ahead.
"It would be almost inconceivable for there not to be a British Grand Prix next year," Hill muttered, "But until it is signed, there is always the possibility that will be the case.
"We're down to the finer points, but they are crucial points."
According to reports, a final set of dullard negotiations are scheduled for Monday morning to sort out the remaining issues.
Hill and the managing director of Silverstone, Richard Phillips, will then hold a press conference at London's Grosvenor House Hotel in order to announce the final situation regarding the deal in the afternoon, whether the final talks are successful or not.
The British GP remains on the 2010 calendar, with a provisional date of July 11th, but Ecclestone has said that a deal must be in place by the World Motor Sports Council meeting in Paris on December 11th.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
