Formula One news

Ecclestone thwarted Silverstone revamp - Brundle

Brundle with Coulthard

Former F1 ace Martin Brundle has accused Bernie Ecclestone of thwarting plans to bring British GP venue Silverstone up-to-scratch with a brand-new pit complex. The former track-owning BRDC chairman and David Coulthard's manager wrote in his column for 'Daily Express' that Bernie 'refused to sign' the plans in January.

Silverstone's revamp depended on equal financial contributions. ''The bulldozers should have come on Monday to start work,'' said the former McLaren, Ligier and Tyrrell star. ''He [refused] for [no] particular reason.''

Brundle said the F1 impresario's intransigence 'wasted' circuit leaseholder Interpublic's - 'who were committed' to the project - $22 million contribution.

He also said it wasted more than a million dollars in fees. Ecclestone, 73, is steadfast in his criticism of the Northamptonshire-based track and a September deadline to find a promoter or lose the grand prix.

But managing director Andrew Waller said on Friday he is 'confident' the race will still be at Silverstone in '05 ''and preparations [have] already started.''

more news

• 26 Nov.
  • Alguersuari: "2010 contract is signed"
  • Conway and Ericsson to test for Mercedes
  • 4 driver options left for Lotus
  • 'F1 in need of Schumacher return' - Verstappen
• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed
  • Nakajima future in Toyota's hands
  • Klien still hoping for 2010 seat
  • McLaren line-up will work, says Ecclestone
  • López: USF1 deal coming next week
• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
  • Vettel surprised by Button team switch
• 21 Nov.
  • Mercedes: No Schumacher drive with us
  • López close to USF1 deal
  • Options open for Bourdais
• 20 Nov.
  • FIA was using new teams, says Lola
  • Rossi and Newey to contest endurance race
  • Wolff: Worth of privateers on the up

Homepage