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Ecclestone Plays Down Emotional Deal with Silverstone

Bernie Ecclestone finally managed to get things done in terms of safeguarding the future of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, and settled to a 17-year agreement with the owners of the circuit, the British Race Drivers Club (BRDC).

However, only hours after making the aforementioned announcement, Ecclestone played down rumors that he was emotionally involved in the negotiations, considering that this was in fact the very place where Formula One started off back in 1950. Despite the fact that he is himself originary from the UK, Ecclestone insisted that the closing of the deal was business as usual and no financial concessions were made when reaching it.

I didn't have any special sentiment because it was Britain, but if people think I helped then that's nice,” said Ecclestone in an interview with British newspaper Daily Express.

In addition, Ecclestone answered to those who accused him of chasing millions in profit when setting up the aforementioned 17-year deal. While many argued the 78-year old Brit made a fortune out of the Silverstone deal, the F1 supremo confirmed he would have gained a lot more if giving some other bidder the chance to set up an F1 destination.

The only reason he didn't do it was the lack of money throughout the European continent, not only in the UK.

Definitely, a lot more, an awful lot more,” added Ecclestone. “There are other places desperate for races but there was no more money in Europe. I got fed up with the whingeing and moaning. It has taken too long, but now Silverstone can get on with it for years to come and make a fortune.”

As part of the new agreement, Silverstone confirmed it will begin development work on their paddock and pit lane from as early as the spring of 2010.
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