Silverstone Considers British Grand Prix Axe

The British Racing Drivers Club (BRDC) has said it is considering axing the British Grand Prix at Silverstone due to the “potentially ruinous risk” posed by hosting fees.

The circuit owners are considering giving notice to exercise the break clause within the contract at the end of the 2019 season, with the races in 2017, 2018 and 2019 not under threat.

It was reported that the BRDC last month informed all members in a letter that it was giving serious considerations to end the fixture at Silverstone.

Silverstone first hosted the British Grand Prix in 1950 and has been the event’s home since 1987.

“The board is considering whether we should give notice before the 2017 British GP (as required) of our intention to exercise the break clause in the contract at the end of 2019,” wrote BRDC chairman John Grant.

“This is not a simple decision and we shall consider all the implications before coming to a conclusion by mid-year. We have to protect our club against the potentially ruinous risk of a couple of bad years. Without some change in the economic equation, the risk and return are out of kilter.”

Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone told ITV News: “If they want to activate a break clause, there is nothing we can do.

“Two other tracks have contacted us and we are keen to keep a British Grand Prix, there is no doubt about it, we want to have one.”