September 2004 News
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30 September: The British Grand Prix at Silverstone appears to be in serious doubt for the 2005 Formula 1 season after being dropped from the provisional 2005 F1 Calendar. 
The British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) submitted a bid to host the event for the next 3 years however Bernie Ecclestone appears to have rejected this bid. 

Speaking to BBC Radio Five Live BRDC President Sir Jackie Stewart said "Clearly the BRDC are very disappointed as we have been in discussion with Ecclestone and FOM. 
We've gone as far as we can in making cutbacks in other areas to be able to afford the Grand Prix because we feel it is very important for the country as a whole. 
The gap between money being asked for and what we can offer is comparatively small - in single figures of millions - but the amount is unaffordable. The British Racing Drivers Club cannot afford the British Grand Prix at any price. 
Even at this late stage we would ask Mr Ecclestone and the British Government to think again and see if we can retain the Grand Prix for the sake of the industry, sport and the country."

Stewart blamed the lack of Government support and said "We've been in contact with the Government for nearly four years, unlike in other countries where Grands Prix are hosted - these governments have assisted in hosting and promoting the Grands Prix - our Government has made a decision it does not wish to do that."

However the Government defended its position. A spokesperson for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport said "Clearly the Government supports and wants to see a British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
But the current commercial negotiations about the promotion of the Grand Prix are a matter between the BRDC and Formula One. We have done everything, and will continue to, to help bring the parties together to discuss the matter.
The Government has already made significant financial contribution to motorsport and Silverstone - in 2002 we invested over £16m to support the industry and £8m to improve road access around the track."

BRDC Chief Executive Alex Hooton echoed Sir Jackie Stewart's remarks and said "I seriously think that it is possible there will be no Grand Prix in Great Britain next year.
Negotiations will continue but as things currently stand, the outlook is bleak."

Bernie Ecclestone described the Silverstone facilities as embarrassing. Speaking to ITV news he said "When people want to build new tracks, they want to look at Silverstone. We don't want it built like that. It's quite embarrassing. I am pushing the world to raise the standards and our country has one of the worst."

There is some speculation though that the real reason behind this is to bargain with the British Government for an extension for Formula 1 from the tough new legislation on Tobacco advertisement which comes into effect on the 31st of July 2005.
It won't be the first time this happens. Last year the Belgian Grand Prix was dropped due to tough anti-Tobacco laws but was reinstated this year after the Belgian Government backed down.

The 2005 Formula 1 Schedule is expected to be ratified on the 13th of October by the World Motorsport Council. If the British Grand Prix isn't included, it will be the first time it is excluded from the calendar in the history of Formula 1.

Provisional 2005 Formula 1 Schedule

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