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Former Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone does not think that Silverstone will lose its place on the Formula 1 calendar. The future of the event has been cast in major doubt after the British Racing Drivers' Club announced that it was very likely they would activate a release clause in its contract.
The British Grand Prix has been on the calendar every year since the driver's world championship was established in 1950. Since 1987 it has been hosted at Silverstone every year. Rising costs have made the event more difficult to host, and there is a danger of the event slipping off the calendar after 2019.
"I would be surprised if eventually we lose Silverstone," Ecclestone told Reuters at the Austrian Grand Prix. "It's a good event. And it probably falls into line much more with the way Liberty want to see Formula One go, in that direction."
An announcement is expected over the future of the race later this week before the 2017 British Grand Prix weekend gets underway. Sean Bratches, the new commercial managing director, of F1, described Silverstone as 'one of the jewels in the crown of Grand Prix racing'.
There is a possibility that if the BRDC activate its release clause, it would allow them to negotiate a new deal with Liberty Media. Ecclestone, who previously negotiated all these deals, declared that Silverstone pays much less than other circuits.
"I'm surprised they can't make it work, that's all," he added. "At the moment there isn't anywhere else. There may well be in a couple of years' time. But if they are losing all the money, which is what they say they are doing, they can't continue can they? Because somebody has to pay."
Fergal Walsh
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