Peter Mandelson, the business secretary that also had a saying in the safeguarding of Brawn GP following Honda's exit, told The Times newspaper that he held a preliminary discussion with the Formula One chief executive in order to find a solution to the problem.
Although the Donington Park officials allegedly told Ecclestone that they've come up with 12 million pounds (sterling) for the 2010 British GP, the F1 boss insisted that there is no chance of returning to the Leicestershire circuit in the future. However, according to a report from The Guardian, the talks with alternative circuit Silverstone are currently at a delicate stage, which could pose a threat to the next year's British GP.
“I stressed to him the importance of formula one and the British grand prix to the UK. This (the GP) is a very British institution and every effort must be made to keep the race in the UK. Bernie reassured me he was doing everything possible to maintain the British grand prix in the UK,” said Mendelson, according to The Times.
Silverstone is currently the only venue able to accommodate the Formula One caravan for a Grand Prix in the UK, but the state of conflict between the British Racing Drivers Club (BRDC are owners of the circuit) and Ecclestone in recent years seems to make the negotiations even harder. Interestingly enough, the F1 supremo yesterday denied such a conflict, insisting that his and BRDC's views on the British GP are not fundamentally different.
“There isn't (a difference of opinion) actually. As far as I'm concerned, no problems,” added Ecclestone.
Google News