Ecclestone Gives Ultimatum to Silverstone

Formula One not only lost two important car manufacturers for the 2010 season – obviously, we're talking about Toyota and BMW – but is also on the verge of losing one of its most important races in the history of the sport, the British Grand Prix. According to F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, the next day or two will be decisive in the future of the British race.

As the Donington Park plan failed miserably last month – despite Ecclestone's constant efforts to move the British GP to the Leicestershire based track – Silverstone now remains the only option for the Formula One Management. However, Ecclestone doesn't want to sign the deal unless the British Racing Drivers Club (the BRDC currently owns the venue) agree to his terms.

As Silverstone could have taken advantage of the fact that Ecclestone has nowhere to go for the British Grand Prix, the 79-year old billionaire made it very clear that the 2010 F1 calendar is a game of his own and he'll only play by his rules. Consequently, if Silverstone doesn't agree with his terms, they can kiss the British GP good-bye.

He revealed that he has already forwarded a deal to be inked by the BDRC for the hosting of the British Grand Prix, and is now waiting for the answer. It's his way or the highway, apparently, as he made it very clear that there is no room for negotiations: either Silverstone signs the deal or the British GP will no longer be.

“Maybe they have lost their pen but if they don't find it in the next day or two then that is it. I will pull the race off the calendar and there will be no British Grand Prix to argue about,” Ecclestone was quoted as saying by the Daily Express.