Ecclestone Vows to Keep Abu Dhabi in F1 Forever

Bernie Ecclestone is undoubtedly happier than ever with the arrangement he set up with the good people of Abu Dhabi. Here's a race that pours in more than $40 million a year into the FOM (Formula One Management) pockets, that benefits from state-of-the-art facilities, whose grandstands will be full for the second year running in 2010 and, above all, which attracts compliments from anyone and at any time.

Needless to say, Ecclestone can only congratulate himself for giving green light to the Yas Marina based project. The 80-year-old Englishman voiced his enthusiasm over the season finale and said that if it were for him, he would keep Abu Dhabi in F1 forever.

“If only all the venues were as superb as Abu Dhabi I would be one happy man,” said Ecclestone in a recent interview with the Gulf News.

“After last year's debut race there I just sat back and wallowed in all the compliments that were heaped on the place from people all over the world. How long is their arrangement to hold a grand prix? For ever. For as long as they want it. That's how satisfied I am with the entire setup.”

Additionally, he insisted that the contract he helped happen with the Abu Dhabi organizers does not only benefit him, but the entire Formula One, the teams included.

“I am well aware that I am regarded as hard, uncompromising and uncaring and that I am driven by money. I don't care. There are plenty of people in F1 who are very wealthy because of the way I am and my attitude to business and the sport.”

“And they should be thankful for the positions I have taken, not always popular, over the years to give F1 an international profile. Sure, I have benefited personally, but so, too, have the teams. I have put a lot back. A lot of effort. Between us we have a duty to be sure that F1 survives at all levels as an enhanced spectacle.”