Formula One news

Ecclestone ready to revert to Silverstone

Bernie Ecclestone has said that he is fully prepared to switch the hosting venue of the British Grand Prix back to Silverstone after denying reports that he has again extended Donington Park's deadline to be ready in time for next season; the Leicestershire circuit currently stands to lose its place on the Formula One calendar as construction work continues.

With Donington having been granted an extension to several deadlines as it readies itself for 2010, Ecclestone has now been reported as offering Silverstone a 17-year contract after the current host for the race improved its own facilities.

Ecclestone has been frustrated by the conduct of Donington as the 2010 season draws ever closer

"We haven't decided to give (Simon) Gillett another deadline at all," Ecclestone told The Telegraph of the Donington Park leaseholder after reports this week suggested that a fortnight's grace had been granted. "We have informed him he is in breach of contract. The contract which we have gives him 14 days to remedy the breach. Most business contracts are like that."

After admitting that reports of Silverstone's new offer for a 17-year deal are accurate, the F1 commercial rights holder stressed that the clock is ticking for Donington. "People interpret things the way they want to interpret them," he said.

"He hasn't been given another deadline at all. He has been given, like the contract says, another two weeks to remedy the breach. No deadline has changed."

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