Ecclestone Angry with UK Government over British GP Passiveness

Bernie Ecclestone

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone fumed at the British government for not moving a finger to save the likely-soon-to-be-defunct British Grand Prix. The 78-year old Englishman believes the UK politicians should be the first to try and save the Formula 1 race, as the latest news coming from Donington lead to a potential scrap of the British event from next year's F1 calendar.

Venue's leaseholders Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd have been sued by Donington Park owner Tom Wheatcroft over unpaid rent dating back to September 2008. Given the financial difficulties of the circuit, it's hard to believe track operator Simon Gillett will be able to ensure the modernization of the venue by September this year, the deadline imposed by the FIA earlier this year.

Under the circumstances, British GP's only chances of surviving in the championship would be if the UK government stepped in and supported the race. Switching back to Silverstone is certainly not an option for Ecclestone right now.

“If Donington can't put on the British Grand Prix then that's it. We will be leaving Britain. There is no question of us going back to Silverstone. They have had enough chances and have not delivered what they promised,” argued the F1 boss when talking to the media in Bahrain.

“It's a disgrace that the British government don't step in to help. They are throwing billions at the London Olympics. They could do what is needed to save the race by putting in a fraction of it - 0.002 per cent.”

“I've been in talks with [leaseholder] Simon Gillett today and we've been talking through the money situation. I'm trying to help him sort things out. What he really needs is an investor. That's the best hope of saving the race,” added Ecclestone.

The British Grand Prix is currently the oldest race in Formula 1, as it was the Silverstone track to host the series' very first race back in 1950.