Silverstone secures British GP from 2010
By Jonathan Noble and Pablo Elizalde Monday, December 7th 2009, 10:31 GMT
The British Grand Prix will stay at the Silverstone circuit next year after the Northamptonshire track reached a deal with Bernie Ecclestone after weeks of negotiations.
Silverstone looked set to lose the race last year when Ecclestone signed a 17-year deal with Donington Park to host the grand prix from next season.
However, Donington failed to raise the funds to carry out a redevelopment project and so Ecclestone began talks with Silverstone.
The British Racing Drivers' Club, owners of the tack, confirmed on Monday morning they had secured a 17-year agreement to host the British Grand Prix from 2010.
The circuit will also host a MotoGP race next year.
"The title of Silverstone as home of motorsport has come true," said BRDC president Damon Hill. "It is a place for all motorsport. Everyone in the BRDC loves motorsport and we are looking forward to the MotoGP as well as the British Grand Prix.
"It is not easy to enter into a contract of this magnitude and you have to take on a lot of responsibility, but the BRDC wanted this relationship to continue.
"Everyone was well aware that the British GP is not just a sporting event, but it is dynamo of the industry in this country. Losing it would have been damaging and perhaps there would have been no coming back."
Hill said the new pit and paddock work will begin after Christmas and it is hoped it will be finished for the 2011 race.