Brawn wants Silverstone to keep contract talks under wraps

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Formula 1 is hopeful of extending Silverstone's British Grand Prix contract beyond 2019, but talks must remain secret insists F1 executive Ross Brawn.

This weekend's event was a resounding success with an estimated 140,5600 fans attending the British Grand Prix, according to a report from Reuters.

Silverstone's initial contract with Formula 1, brokered by former supremo Bernie Ecclestone, was set to run until 2026.

Team Talk - Sunday at Silverstone

But rising costs linked to an annual 5 percent increase of Silverstone's franchise fee took their toll on the BRDC, the circuit's owners, deciding the venerable motorsport institution to exercise last year its right to a break clause allowing for a premature end to the deal.

Asked by Sky F1 on Sunday about the prospects of keeping the British Grand Prix on the calendar, Brawn offered an optimistic response, but with one caveat.

"I’m sure we’re going to find a solution with Silverstone because we cannot leave this behind," he said.

"The frustration is the negotiations are taking place in public," he added.

"Every circuit we deal with, we do it quietly and get on with it, but for some reason Silverstone chooses to make everything public, which causes more difficulties. But we’ll find a solution."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.