Silverstone have today announced they are formally seeking an investor willing to put £150m into 
the race track.
Rumours regarding Silverstone’s solvency have been circulating for some time now, in what has been a turbulent few years for the circuit. After losing the hosting rights for the British Grand Prix to Donington Park in 2009, the future looked bleak for Silverstone. However, as the backers for F1 at Donington folded, Silverstone came to the rescue, securing itself a long-term deal to host Formula One, aided by heavy redevelopment to the track including a new pit straight.
After the fiasco due to the weather earlier this year, there have been calls for Silverstone to improve it’s facilities for the fans.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Chairman of the BRDC Stuart Rolt said “By the end of the year at the latest we will have either done a comprehensive deal for all of Silverstone or we will maybe be talking to entities about renting or buying a long lease on parts of the non-circuit land.”
It is clear that methods of funding the race are few and far between, which has caused Silverstone to begin this hunt for an investor.
At the FOTA Fans’ Forum in July, President of the BRDC Derek Warwick also suggested investment was required.
“Silverstone is one of the greatest racing circuits on the calendar, but it doesn’t pay for itself.”
The British fanbase will be hoping that this extra investment can be secured, only strengthening Silverstone’s position in Formula One, as well as allowing Moto GP and World Superbikes to continue at the Northamptonshire circuit.
Photos courtesy of Octane Photographic.
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