British Grand Prix faces axe over rising costs as Silverstone owners seek Government help

Facing the axe: The British Grand Prix has been at Silverstone since 1987
Getty Images
Standard Sport6 January 2017

Silverstone owners have begun discussions with the Government over saving the British Grand Prix from the brink of extinction.

The British Racing Drivers’ Club, which owns Silverstone — host of the race since 1987 — warned its members yesterday the race was in danger of being axed in 2019 because of rising costs.

"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.

"This is not a simple decision and we shall consider all the implications before coming to a conclusion by mid-year."

Silverstone, which hosted the first Formula One championship race in 1950, has a contract to 2026 with a break clause on both sides.

Discussions are now ongoing between the BRDC and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport about the future of the race, which last year attracted 140,000 spectators for Lewis Hamilton’s fourth Formula One win on home soil.

The British Grand Prix is the only race on the calendar globally that does not receive Government backing but there is no suggestion at this stage that is about to change despite the discussions.

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