Silverstone’s future may be coming to a close in the very near future, despite having many years left in their contract to host the British Grand Prix. It is reported that the event organizers could activate a break clause in the contract as early as 2017.
Silverstone is a circuit which has been in Formula One since the debut 1950 season and it has become well-known in the motorsport world. In 2009, the circuit signed a 17 year contract with the sport to host the British Grand Prix. The British Racing Drivers’ Club owns the circuit and has organized the British Grand Prix for many years without any support from third party organizations or government funding, it rising costs of the sport have added some financial worries to the event.
Reports suggest that a letter from BRDC chairman, John Grant, was sent out to the members of the club prior to Christmas, suggesting that the circuit may be worried about the finances surrounding the event. The letter states that the BRDC has until the 2017 British Grand Prix to give notice that they will be exercising the break clause in their contract. This would allow the circuit to leave the sport at the end of the 2019 season.
Silverstone is one in a long list of circuits looking to leave the sport, as costs have increased and attendance decreased over the past few seasons. The German Grand Prix has already been dropped from the 2017 calendar and the Malaysian Grand Prix event organizers have already said that they will not be renewing their contract. The Singapore Grand Prix may also be leaving in the near future.
However, if Silverstone decides to leave the sport, there may be plenty of options to keep the British Grand Prix alive. Bernie Ecclestone has already told the press that he has been contacted by other circuits interested in hosting the British Grand Prix if Silverstone leaves. However, many people doubt that Ecclestone’s claims are valid, since Silverstone is the only circuit in the country with the FIA Grade 1 required to host Formula One. Both Brands Hatch and Donnington Park only hold an FIA Grade 2.
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