Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has admitted he took a financial hit to keep top-level racing at Silverstone.
F1 boss admits he could have made more money elsewhere
Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has admitted he took a financial hit to keep top-level racing at Silverstone.
The 79-year-old has agreed a 17-year contract with the Northamptonshire circuit to cement the long-term future of the British Grand Prix after a move to Donington Park fell through when the track could not secure financial backing.
However, while Ecclestone is happy that a deal has been struck at Silverstone, he admits he could have made more money elsewhere should he have chosen not to save the oldest race on the F1 calendar.
"Definitely, a lot more, an awful lot more," Ecclestone told the
Daily Express.
"There are other places desperate for races but there was no more money in Europe.
"I got fed up with the whingeing and moaning. It has taken too long, but now Silverstone can get on with it for years to come and make a fortune."
Ecclestone also insisted that the decision to choose Silverstone was not a result of any sentimental feeling on his part.
"I didn't have any special sentiment because it was Britain," he added.
"But if people think I helped then that's nice."
