19/07/2004
NEWS STORY
Organizers of the British Grand Prix are confident that the success of this year's event will convince F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone to keep the event on the calendar.
"I'm confident the Grand Prix will be here in 2005," said circuit manager Andrew Waller, "preparations have already started. The overall package this year provided a fantastic grand prix experience."
In 2003 the British GP proved to be one of the most memorable of the season, thanks to changeable weather and the antics of a former priest, who ran on to the track causing chaos.
This year's event was similarly eventful, thanks to a qualifying session that saw drivers trying to run slower than one another, the McLaren revival, and the introduction of the safety car following Jarno Trulli's horrendous crash.
Ahead of the race there was a war of words between Ecclestone and Sir Jackie Stewart, president of the British Racing Drivers' Club, with Ecclestone warning that the event is not guaranteed to be on the calendar in 2005.
A revamped ticket pricing system meant that 195,000 fans attended the event, over the course of the three days, 85,000 up on last year.
"We proved the circuit can stand proud alongside other venues in Europe," said Waller. "The traffic management programme, which has been in place for the last two or three years, ensured that there were minimal problems gaining access to and from the circuit and the traffic issues of the past have been consigned to history."
That's as it may be, but the fact remains that there isn't a promoter for next year's event, and until someone can be found to come up with the necessary money and sign on the dotted line, no amount of statistics and self-congratulation is going to sway Bernie.