• British Grand Prix

'F1 doesn't need a British GP' - Ecclestone

Following the collapse of Donington's bid to host the 2010 Grand Prix, Bernie Ecclestone has claimed that Britain does not need a grand prix. Silverstone have stepped in to host the 2010 event and are looking for a long-term contract, but Ecclestone has admitted it is not a done deal and he is not prepared to make concessions to protect the British event.

"Silverstone have a contract in front of them. We've no commercial arrangement in place for a British Grand Prix for next year. That is why the race has an asterisk beside it on the 2010 calendar," Ecclestone told the Daily Express. "If they can't make it work then don't do it. If that happens, there won't be a British Grand Prix. Simple as that. No-one is forcing them to take it. This is business. We have offered them a deal."

Ecclestone refused to offer a reduced rate to Silverstone, similar to Monza and Monaco, regarded as the sport's "traditional" races, arguing that the sport does not need a British Grand Prix. "The contract they have is the contract we like," he said. "We are not prepared to charge less. Do we need a British Grand Prix? No. I want a British Grand Prix, of course, but we are not going to do special rates for Britain."

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