Ecclestone: Silverstone Is ‘worst’ F1 Circuit

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has renewed the pressure on Silverstone describing the British Grand Prix venue as the ‘worst circuit’ on the calendar.

Ecclestone has continually voiced his concerns that Silverstone needs vast improvements if it is to maintain its place on the F1 calendar and has called on the government to make the necessary investment to bring the track up to scratch.

He said: ‘Britain is supposed to be the heart of Formula One racing and our circuit is bottom of the list. With a tiny percentage of what the government are wasting on the Olympics, they could support Silverstone.’

Silverstone’s contract to stage the British Grand Prix expires in 2009, but a £25m redevelopment has been approved by the British Racing Drivers’ Club, who own the Northamptonshire circuit.

Ecclestone said: ‘They know exactly what they have to do. They’ve known for at least five years. It’s not for us to say where the money comes from but it’s strange because most of the events we have now are supported by governments.’

Ecclestone also criticised the stalling in the move to stage a Grand Prix on the streets of London.

‘Things were sorted out very nicely in London. Mayor Ken Livingstone was very helpful and we laid a plan out of what we could do.

‘It would have happened, it was just a question of where the money was going to come from. It would cost a small amount compared to what they’re spending on the Olympics.

‘If they look at it from a pure business point of view, all the revenue it would bring in, I just don’t understand why it isn’t happening.’