> BRDC rejects Ecclestone plan

British Grand Prix bosses have rejected a proposal from Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone that would have seen the country’s flagship race held on alternate years rather than annually.

Ecclestone had mooted the idea that Britain and France should “share” their spot on the calendar from 2008 onwards – partly to accommodate F1’s expansion into new markets within the confines of the existing number of races.

But Silverstone’s owners the British Racing Drivers Club informed Ecclestone that the scheme would be impractical.

“We said it doesn’t work for us,” BRDC chairman Stuart Rolt told The Times.

“We were unable to see how a grand prix every second year works financially – we have to keep the place in a suitable condition for a grand prix – and in terms of staffing.

“You may be able to let some staff go temporarily and hire them back, but that’s a difficult way to run a business.”

Part of the thinking behind Ecclestone’s proposal was to give Silverstone more opportunity to carry out the costly modernisation of the Northamptonshire site required to secure the race’s long-term future.

Ecclestone has accepted the BRDC’s decision but stressed that nothing is guaranteed beyond 2009, when the existing deal runs out.

Rolt admitted that the race’s prospects after that remain highly uncertain.

“I really can’t reassure [people] after 2009,” he said.

“To me there is a danger that we cannot, or we are somehow unable to, find a way to fund the improvements.

“Or there may be a point where the amount of money we have to pay for hosting the grand prix becomes untenable.”