Ecclestone questions Silverstone future

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has again placed a question mark over the future of the British Grand Prix.

Next year’s race at Silverstone will be the last under the British Racing Drivers Club’s current deal with Ecclestone and the new one remains unsigned.

European race promoters currently pay around €14m to host grands prix - a figure that is due to rise at a rate of 5% per annum – and there appears to be a sticking point over the price.

Ecclestone, who has been a frequent critic of Silverstone’s facilities in the past, said in the Daily Telegraph: “I suppose they could come back to me. They could get the building done in six months. But I would not put any money on it.

“The BRDC know the terms. If they meet them, then we are in business. But at the moment they can’t and therefore there is no race in 2010.”