Damon Hill has been speaking with BBC Sport today at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and has spoken about the hopes of a deal for Silverstone in 2010 to host the British Grand Prix,
“We are very close. It comes down to a little bit of give on the negotiation and I think we’re there. We are doing everything we can to get the grand prix. It has been non-stop.”
Hill is not directly involved in the negotiation with Bernie Ecclestone, however he is very close to what is going on. He also outlined what he sees as the future for Silverstone, stating that they’re not interested in a 1 year, or 5 year deal – it needs to be long-term,
“That is key to securing the investment we need in the circuit [a long-term deal]. We’re not there yet, but we’re optimistic we will be.”
Bernie Ecclestone is very keen to get Silverstone to sign up, however has warned that the circuit needs to observe what tracks like Valencia and Abu Dhabi have done in order to facilitate modern Grand Prix. Speaking about Silverstone specifically he said,
“It’s not just a case of signing the contract and paying. They must raise their standard”
Despite Hill stating today that there still needs to be some “give” in the negotiations, Ecclestone has previously stated that the deal is there, and it is what it is, take it or leave it. Ultimately though, Hill is keen to tell fans that they are doing everything in their power to ensure a British Grand Prix future,
“We’re doing everything we can to get the grand prix. The team has gone through the numbers. It has been non-stop. Trying to work out how we deliver on the demands for a grand prix.”
Donington was initially the circuit in line to host the British GP, however that deal collapsed earlier this week when the track announced that they were no longer able to find financing in order to complete redevelopment work on the track.
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