Hill: Silverstone changes “necessary risk” 04/05/2010 |
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Damon Hill has insisted that the £7m redesign of Silverstone was a “necessary risk” to save the British Grand Prix.
The former world champion and president of the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC), which owns Silverstone, was speaking after the opening of the new-look track at the end of last week.
Silverstone had lost the British Grand Prix to Donington Park only to snatch it back after Donington failed to raise the money it needed to upgrade the circuit.
Hill said: “We were offered the contract to retain the F1 grand prix, but the team regarded it as too rich and so it went elsewhere. You could argue it was unfortunate that there was a credit crisis in the middle of all that, but the credit crisis happened for a reason, which was people trying to borrow too much. It’s come back here because it’s the prudent choice.”
The changes to the circuit will be followed by a new pit and paddocks that will be built in time for next summer and will take the total bill to well over £20m.
“It’s a necessary risk,” added Hill. “The alternative was that very possibly the British Grand Prix would have gone to Canada. There is a justification in demanding first-class facilities, but it has to make financial sense.”
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