Palmer's MSV submits bid for Silverstone

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Jonathan Palmer's Motorsport Vision company has officially entered a bid to acquire Silverstone circuit - the home of the British Grand Prix - from the British Racing Drivers Club.

MSV, which currently owns and operates Brands Hatch, Oulton Park, Cadwell Park, Snetterton and Bedford Autodrome, has lined itself up for a purchase following the collapse of Jaguar Land Rover's deal to buy the British racing landmark.

Palmer, a former F1 driver and the father of Renault driver Jolyon, approached the BRDC after the end of JLR's exclusivity period of negotiation and submitted an offer which is now under serious consideration given MSV's credentials.

"I've long felt Silverstone could benefit from the experience and stability of MSV running the circuit, including the grand prix, and we're certainly keen to do that," Palmer told Autosport, while at the same time neither confirming or denying MSV's offer.

"But only if we can do so, on a sensible basis, that's commercially viable.

"Our experience of the business, of running circuits, running them well and providing a high quality to our customers is well known.

"To be fair to Silverstone they ran a fairly good grand prix this year, putting in a huge amount of effort, lots of detail, and it looked great.

"But nevertheless the bit that has to be sorted out, that is currently of major concern, is how we get ongoing commercial viability from it, whilst maintaining and continuing to improve standards further.

"So I feel MSV would be well placed to do that."

No timeline on the BRDC's decision has been made available but members will no doubt be brought up to speed on negotiations at its annual general meeting next Wednesday.

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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.