'F1 does not need British GP'

Ecclestone: deal offered

Do we need a British Grand Prix? No.

Bernie Ecclestone
Quotes of the week

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As negotiations continue to secure a venue for the British Grand Prix, Bernie Ecclestone has said that Formula One does not actually need the race.

Donington's bid to stage the event appears to have collapsed after the failure of a bond scheme to raise £135million for redevelopment of the Leicestershire track.

Silverstone therefore seems the likeliest setting for the race, but track owners the British Racing Drivers' Club are stalling over the terms of the contract being offered by Formula One's commercial rights controller.

The deal is thought to similar to the one offered - and rejected as a financial lossmaker - 18 months ago.

But Ecclestone told the Daily Express: "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.

"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 has also ruled out the prospect of the British Grand Prix being given a special discount rate, similar to those enjoyed by Monza and Monaco as the sport's "traditional" races.

"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."