• British Grand Prix

New Silverstone a compromise - Hill

ESPNF1 Staff
February 12, 2010 « Button finally happy in McLaren MP4-25 | »
The new 'Arena Circuit' is under construction © Silverstone
Enlarge
Related Links

Damon Hill has said that a lack of funding has forced Silverstone to reach a "frustrating compromise" with its new 'Arena Circuit' set to debut in F1 at the 2010 British Grand Prix.

A new 760 metre loop will see the drivers take on four newly designed corners at the historic circuit, which race organisers hope will improve the show for fans. But Hill, who is the president of the British Racing Drivers' Club that owns the circuit, isn't so sure about the new £5 million track extension.

"If you are asking me to say it's fantastic, I'm afraid I am not going to do that," Hill told the Daily Mail. "I am not satisfied that we will be providing the best facility we could. More money goes out of the sport than comes in. It means we have to be as tight as a duck's backside. We need every penny to survive.

'It is fast, exciting corners that drivers love. It is what fans love. So, it's illogical not to concentrate on developing the sporting challenge. You end up having to do things you don't want to. It is very frustrating. I have the idea of my perfect, fantasy track and that's not what we are building."

Silverstone has signed a deal with Bernie Ecclestone worth £300 million to hold the British Grand Prix at the venue for the next 17 years. It still intends to push ahead with plans to move the pit and paddock complex from its current location to the straight between Club and Abbey by 2011.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
ESPN Staff Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices