Ecclestone to Buy Silverstone?

According to British newspaper The Guardian, F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone could be the next owner of the Silverstone track. In an confidential letter sent by Robert Brooks, it appears the president of the British Racing Drivers Club has proposed to sell the historical venue in the near future.

The part about Ecclestone being interested in buying it is solely a rumor, of course, but it could really boost Silverstone's changes of returning to Formula One as host of the British Grand Prix. Should the F1 supremo buy the circuit, it was suggested he could run it “as he pleases”, meaning heavy investments in circuit's infrastructure would be expected.

Nevertheless, such a proposal from Brooks (if any) would have to meet the approval of the other members of the BRDC.

The Northamptonshire track recently lost its right to host F1 races as a result of poor development of its facilities. However, amid Donington Park's financial problems in the last few month, Silverstone was back on track as a potential host of the British race starting next year.

Although Donington is yet to resolve its money-related issues, Ecclestone made it very clear that F1 will not be returning to Silverstone in 2010 no matter what. As argued by the 78-year old Englishman, the BRDC-managed circuit had enough opportunities to save itself, yet it continued to fail at updating its facilities.

For the time being, the future of the British Grand Prix looks all but sure. It was the same Ecclestone who insisted that, should Donington fail at securing the proper conditions for the hosting of an F1 race, the Grand Prix will not be attributed back to Silverstone. Midway through last week, Donington Park leaseholder Simon Gillett agreed, for the first time in months, that next year's grand prix is in danger.