Future is bright for Silverstone

The future of Silverstone as a grand prix venue took a major step forward on July 30 when the members of the British Racing Drivers’ Club voted to press ahead with the £25 million project known as the ‘Silverstone Master Plan’.

The BRDC, which owns the complex, put the redevelopment plan before its membership and 80 per cent voted in favour. The project will include six million sq ft of development over 10 years, with new paddock facilities to keep the circuit on a par with other F1 venues.

Other developments include new stands, a hotel and conference centre, a science park and some residential development. Some of the programme will generate the capital needed to upgrade circuit facilities. Work on the first project, a driver-training centre for Porsche Cars GB, is already underway.

“This vote is a great result for the future of British motorsport,” said BRDC president Damon Hill. “This is not only important to Silverstone and its continued hosting of the British Grand Prix, but also to the development of the sport in this country.”

New chairman Robert Brooks, in a letter to BRDC members, said: “The strength of the vote in favour will enable your board to negotiate with a very strong hand. We demonstrated that we are together and are determined to secure the future of the Club, Silverstone and the Grand Prix.”