Silverstone's managing director Patrick Allen has been given a leave of absence from his role, following reports that the British Racing Drivers Club's sale of the British Grand Prix home has hit problems.
It emerged last weekend that Porsche is considering using a clause in its existing contract with Silverstone to block the proposed £33 million sale of the circuit to rival car manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover which is planning to build a hotel, heritage centre and offices for staff while using the track itself as an advanced testing facility.
However Porsche's current contract with Silverstone is understood to restrict rivals' access to Silverstone to just 45 days a year, leaving the Jaguar deal in jeopardy.
A rival approach from engineering entrepreneur and racing team owner Lawrence Tomlinson had already previously been rejected. Tomlinson and Allen are long-time associates, Allen having formerly been commercial director of Tomlinson’s LNT Group which owns sports car manufacturer Ginetta.
Those past ties have now apparently led to Allen being suspended from his role with immediate effect. Allen took over the role in 2014 after his predecessor Richard Phillips was also suspended, although no further action was taken.
"Patrick has been suspended for speaking to Lawrence," a BRDC member told City A.M. business journalist Christian Sylt.
A formal statement from the BRDC was more circumspect, saying only that "The British Racing Drivers’ Club can confirm that Patrick Allen is currently on a leave of absence from Silverstone Circuit, but as this is a private matter we cannot comment further."
BRDC chairman John Grant added that "Patrick is taking a leave of absence because we are in discussion with Lawrence, alongside continuing discussions with JLR and exploring a number of other expressions of interest."
The stage is now set for an heated BRDC annual general meeting next month between Allen's supporters and those of Grant, who is a strong proponent of the Jaguar deal.
"Members are lining up alongside Patrick and asking John to either formalise his accusations or reinstate him,” said one BRDC member. "Patrick was holding the place together."
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