Stewart backs Silverstone plan
Jackie Stewart has welcomed a plan for Bernie Ecclestone to join forces with the British Racing Drivers’ Club to fund the redevelopment of Silverstone.
Three-time world champion Stewart, the BRDC president, has spent six years looking for money to fund major building works at the Northamptonshire circuit.
Stewart’s solution, a long-term lease to property developers St Modwen, was criticised by some members and sparked talks to find alternative funding.
Ex-Formula Three champion Harry Stiller led a revolt against the St Modwen proposal and claims to have Ecclestone’s support for an alternative.
Stiller claims Ecclestone would be willing to enter an equal partnership with the BRDC to shoulder the financial burden of promoting the British Grand Prix and rebuilding Silverstone.
Stewart revealed he had suggested a similar project with Ecclestone only to be rebuffed.
“Previously Bernie has not shown any interest,” he said. “I have discussed the matter with Bernie, both a joint venture and the promotion side.
“This may be a change of position, which I am encouraged by.
“We speak quite often and this has not come up, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a good idea. Without hearing exactly what the proposal is I can’t say much more.
“We are not against hearing other proposals.”
Stewart is happy to look at alternatives to the St Modwen proposal, which has caused a rift within the BRDC and led to a no-confidence vote in the board on April 28.
He added: “We certainly want to hear of any proposal because there hasn’t been any suggestion from any other party about how we could get long-term stability for the grand prix and the BRDC.
“I’d be happy to hear any proposal.”
The 66-year-old had hoped his last act as president would be to secure Silverstone’s long-term future but he is now certain to leave the post before a decision is made.
The Scot stands down as president on April 28, when he will nominate 1996 world champion Damon Hill as his successor.
Stewart is convinced Hill, 45, has what it takes to guide the BRDC and Silverstone into a new golden age.
“We need a racer and you can’t get more of a racer than Damon,” he said. “He has been a great racer at every level. He has won a world championship and his family heritage is very strong.
“Damon is also a businessman within the motoring industry. He is very successful on the commercial side, as he was when he was driving.
“Most members want a driver as president. We’ve had a lot of people who weren’t drivers in this role.
“Damon fits the bill but he has to find it comfortable in that environment.”
One of Hill’s first acts, should he become president, will be to scrutinise Stiller’s proposal.
As well as the proposed deal with Ecclestone, Stiller, now a property developer, presented a detailed plan to BRDC members today on his vision of Silverstone.
He plans a new 6,000-seater grandstand exclusively for 20-year season ticket holders, as well as a revamp of the smaller Stowe circuit and the construction of a half-mile oval for pick-up truck racing.
A chalet resort would also be built on BRDC land while a theme park, provisionally called Formula Onederland, could feature alongside exhibition and conference space.
