Bernie Ecclestone has fired another curveball at organisers of the British grand prix by saying he is not prepared to negotiate with the owners of the Silverstone circuit about a new deal for 2010.
The F1 supremo is demanding fundamental improvements to the ageing venue in Northamptonshire, but insisted that he is not open to negotiating about the extension of the current contract with the British Racing Drivers’ Club because it is not “responsible”.
76-year-old Ecclestone’s comments follow Nigel Mansell’s recent claim that Bernie should take over the running of the event.
“I want to deal with a promoter rather than the BRDC,” Ecclestone, insisting that a deal for 2010 would need to be finalised by the end of the current year, told the British magazine Autosport.
“It is too difficult with the BRDC because you get no guarantees with them.
He added: “Somebody has to take over the commercial side and be responsible.”
Bernie reiterated that he is “not prepared to do a deal” for a Silverstone race until plans for circuit renovations are solid, and reacted sceptically to reports that the BRDC is already well advanced with such plans.
“I’ve heard it all before,” Ecclestone said.
