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British Grand Prix saved
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-11-10 10:03
The British Grand Prix at Silverstone has been saved following a deal between
Formula One teams, according to Autosport magazine.
Nine of the 10 teams agreed to bear the cost of two extra races in a
collective agreement to cut testing by 50 per cent, according to a report on www.autosport.com.
A deal
has been agreed to ensure next year's British and French Formula One
Grands Prix take place, according to Minardi boss Paul Stoddart. File
photo shows Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher winning the 2004 Grand Prix
at Silverstone. [Reuters] |
Ferrari, thought
to be against a reduction in testing which is part of the agreement, were not
represented at the meeting.
F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone said: "We've not got a contract with Silverstone
yet, but I would be shattered and disappointed if we didn't get a deal."
Ecclestone and the owners of Silverstone have been wrangling over the future
of the 2005 race for several months.
The nine teams who have made the agreement are said to have met Ecclestone at
the Hilton Hotel near Heathrow airport on Tuesday.
"We believe agreement was reached that removes any obvious obstacle for the
British and French GPs to take place," said McLaren team principal Ron Dennis.
The British Racing Drivers' Club, owners of Silverstone, have given the news
a cautious welcome after being told Ecclestone's Formula One Management company
had come to a deal with the nine team owners.
A statement from the BRDC read: "The BRDC have not yet been officially
informed of any proposal by FOM, but if there is a new proposal to safeguard the
British Grand Prix in 2005 which makes financial sense for the sport, the
industry, the club and especially the local economy, it will be seriously
considered by the board of the BRDC."
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