0
Silverstone's managing director has been placed on a leave of absence as negotiations to sell the British Grand Prix venue continue.
The circuit's owners, the British Racing Drivers' Club, have been in negotiations with Jaguar Land Rover for a number of months, but in April Ginetta boss Lawrence Tomlinson made a counter offer.
Patrick Allen, Silverstone's managing director, is a former director of another of Tomlinson's business interests, the LNT Group, and as a result he has taken a leave of absence to avoid a conflict of interest.
"Patrick is taking a leave of absence because we are in discussion with Lawrence, alongside continuing discussions with JLR and exploring a number of other expressions of interest," said BRDC chairman John Grant.
In a vote earlier in the year BRDC members voted 54% in favour of accepting JLR's offer.
Porsche standing in the way of potential deal
However, a potential £33 million purchase by the Tata owned company has been blocked by Porsche.
The German sports car manufacturer has a driving centre and showroom based at the circuit and has an agreement that no other manufacturer can use the circuit for more than 45 days a year.
"Porsche has a covenant within its lease that says no manufacturer can use the circuit for more than 45 days a year," a BRDC spokesman told The Telegraph. "JLR were aware of that covenant and assumed that they might be able to sort it out after the deal was done."
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
I. Hadjar
A. Antonelli
C. Leclerc
6 members have this team as their favourite
Replies (0)
Login to reply