Team bosses keen to retain British GP

A trio of team principals have hit back at Bernie Ecclestone’s remark that Formula One does not need a British Grand Prix.

Surrounded by the splendour of the new £800m (€893m) Yas Marina circuit that hosts the inaugural Abi Dhabi Grand Prix tomorrow, it is easy to joke such opulence is far removed from Silverstone.

Yet the Northamptonshire track remains the only viable option for Britain to continue its hosting of what is officially the oldest race on the calendar following Donington Park’s demise as a replacement venue this week.

Silverstone Holdings managing director Richard Phillips met with Ecclestone in Abu Dhabi yesterday in a bid to reach a compromise on their contract stalemate.

The major bone of contention is understood to be a seven per cent escalator clause on the initial £12m (€13.4m) deal that would result in Silverstone paying double that amount after 10 years.

Understandably, there is serious concern amongst the teams as to the future of the race, with McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh earlier this week voicing his thoughts.