F1 News, Reports and Race Results

BRDC sets end of October deadline for Silverstone sale

The British Racing Drivers’ Club says it is looking to find a buyer for Silverstone by the end of October, though BRDC president Derek Warwick admits “I would not want to put my neck on it”.

Despite sold-out crowds at the British Grand Prix in recent years, the BRDC has been keen to sell the Home of British motorsport due to mounting losses and a lack of capital reserves.

“We've now said by the end of October to get a deal done,” Warwick told Autosport. “When you're doing a deal as complicated as ours, although we've a deadline for the end of October, I wouldn't want to put my neck on it.

“We've so many different deals to look at, to evaluate, and to make sure they are not just face value deals, but we do still hope to get it concluded next month.”

There are currently four bidders for the Northamptonshire venue: Jonathan Palmer's MotorSport Vision company recently submitted an offer; Jaguar Land Rover remains in the running despite Porsche reportedly exercising a clause in its existing contract with the circuit to block an estimate £33 million deal with JLR; Lawrence Tomlinson’s LNT Group put a formal bid in August but recently hinted at pulling out.

Autosport reports that the fourth unnamed bidder is thought to be a foreign group, with Warwick revealing it is currently in pole position to acquire the British racing landmark.

“At the moment they are probably the strongest of those we've received, but there is still a lot to do.

“It's all in the detail. The detail is complicated, and I want to know that in 20 years' time we will still enjoy working with them.

“I don't want to bring somebody into Silverstone that in five years' time proves to be totally unworkable, so there is a big responsibility on this board - on me - to get this deal right.”

2016 Malaysian Grand Prix - Quotes of the week

F1i's driver ratings for the 2016 Malaysian Grand Prix

FULL REPORT: Ricciardo wins in Malaysia as Hamilton retires from lead

Breakfast with... Gianni Morbidelli

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

Audi appoints former Mercedes man CEO of F1 engine F1 division

Audi is reshaping the leadership structure behind its Formula 1 power unit, bringing in an…

1 hour ago

Helmut Marko backs AI startup for messages from beyond

The F1 paddock is obviously well-versed in cutting-edge technology, but former Red Bull motorsport boss…

3 hours ago

Bernie Ecclestone - still a racer at heart

Bernard Charles Ecclestone turns 96 on this day, and the former F1 supremo still looks…

4 hours ago

Aston Martin linked with surprise Red Bull engine deal

Is Aston Martin contemplating an unexpected escape route from its troubled Honda partnership? Paddock whispers…

5 hours ago

Hulkenberg left frustrated in Austin as points bid falls short... again

Nico Hulkenberg was left counting another near-miss in Austin as Audi’s frustrating habit of finishing…

7 hours ago

Alpine hands Gabriele Mini F1 weekend debut in Mexico

Alpine will hand longstanding academy member and F2 charger Gabriele Mini his maiden FP1 outing…

8 hours ago