Silverstone missing from 2005 calendar

30/09/2004
NEWS STORY

It would appear that as it stands there will be no F1 Grand Prix at Silverstone in 2005.

As previously mentioned today was effectively the deadline for the British Racing Driver's Club (Silverstone's owners) to agree terms to host the British Grand Prix in 2005.

With the publication of the provisional calendar for 2005 having no Silverstone race it would appear that an agreement has not yet been reached.

It is reported that Bernie Ecclestone wanted £8.9m from the BRDC to host the race. BRDC president Jackie Stewart is quoted as saying:

"We've gone as far as we can in making cutbacks in other areas to be able to afford the Grand Prix because we feel it is very important for the country as a whole."

"The gap between money being asked for (by Formula One) and what we can offer is comparatively small - in single figures of millions - but the amount is unaffordable."

He went on to say: "The BRDC cannot afford the British Grand Prix at any price."

The decision is still to be ratified by the world council of the FIA (which meets on 13 October), but at the moment the chances of there being a Grand Prix at Silverstone in 2005 look sadly bleak.

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Published: 30/09/2004
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