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Thursday, 13 April 2006 |
Bernie Ecclestone backs alternative Silverstone plan
Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone is backing an alternative plan to revamp Silverstone according to reports.
Ex-F3 driver Harry Stiller had led an opposition by members of the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC), which owns the track, against the original plans.
Harry Stiller's new plan would guarantee the British Grand Prix for another 10 years and would be formally made public on 28 April, according to the Daily Telegraph and it would see the BRDC and Bernie Ecclestone both jointly promoting the event.
The costs of upgrading the circuit would be shared and the profits from gate money and sponsorship and advertising revenues split but all the assets would be kept by the BRDC.
However, BRDC president Sir Jackie Stewart said he didn't believe the new plan would amount to anything.
"Bernie has told me that he's not interested in being a promoter," Jackie Stewart told The Guardian.
"I also asked him at the Bahrain Grand Prix whether rumours that he was interested in buying Silverstone were true and he said, 'No'," he added.
But Autosport quoted Bernie Ecclestone: "Harry's trying to put something together to retain the British Grand Prix.
Grand Prix.
"I said I'd be only too pleased to help. There are various ideas under discussion. He asked me if maybe I could be the promoter. Everything is possible."
The original £600m redevelopment plans had involved leasing the Silverstone to developer St Modwen for 150 years but opposition to it was so great that BRDC chairman Stuart Rolt admitted last month that there was little chance of the plans being approved by the BRDC.
A no confidence vote in the BRDC board will take place at a general meeting on 28 April.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 18 April 2006 )
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Motor Sports 
