Hill pleads for government aid for Silverstone

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Former BRDC President Damon Hill has urged the UK government to step in and provide financial support for the British GP venue, or risk losing one of the country's greatest showcase events.

Hill actually helped broker the BRDC and Silverstone's current 17-year deal with Bernie Ecclestone back in 2009.

Following BRDC chairman John Grant's warning yesterday that the club could be compelled to break its contract with FOM because of the event's financial burden, the British GP's future now appears in jeopardy.

Is the BRDC about to drop the British Grand Prix ?

Speaking to Press Association Sport, Hill said: "This is a much-loved national event but, for whatever reason, it has always been very difficult to get additional funding from government.

"Maybe now is the time to look at the British Grand Prix in the context of what is happening elsewhere and realise that it is an extremely good shop window for waving our banner and pointing to our brilliance in this field.

"When you think about post-Brexit Britain, you must wonder if this is exactly the type of thing we need to invest in to show off what we can do."

Previous attempts to extract a subsidy from central government were often reduced to mere words of encouragement, although local governments have in the past chipped in to help Silverstone's development.

Hill expressed hope however that F1's new owner, Liberty Media, could take a look at the event and determine its importance and accept the opportunity of a renegotiation of the contract between the venue and FOM.

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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.