Silverstone considers dropping British Grand Prix

The owners of the Silverstone race circuit the British Racing Drivers Club are considering activating their break clause with Formula One.

Silverstone has a contract in place with Formula One until 2026, however both the promoters and Formula One themselves are able to activate a break clause over the coming months.

If that were to be triggered, the final British Grand Prix at Silverstone would take place in 2019.

The reason behind the consideration is said to be the high hosting fees that the promoters have to pay Formula One to host the race.

‘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 as reported by ITV but quoted by Sky Sports.

‘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.’

According to Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone, two other circuits have already contacted F1 in a bid to host the British Grand Prix if it were to leave Silverstone.

‘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.

‘As far as Silverstone is concerned, it’s not in our hands.’ said Bernie.

But who else could realistically host it?

In recent years Donington Park has hosted Formula One, but since then the track has had financial difficulties and extensive work completed, they are not interested in hosting F1.

That leaves a potential return to Brands Hatch, but the circuit would require work to get it up to Formula One standards.

One other option could be Rockingham Motor Speedway, an American style facility that once hosted Indy Cars.

It’s a modern venue and wouldn’t take much alterations to bring it up to standard.

It’s an interesting thought, but surely everyone wants to remain at Silverstone?