The latest issue (June) of Forza Magazine has in the Frankly Frankle sidebar, an interesting atricle on Silverstone. Bernie hates it. It is an old airport that needs lots of improvements. The powers that be built themselve a new clubhouse instead of putting money into the track. Huge lines for toilets and lousy parking make it not fan friendly. Despite this the British fans always fill up the available seating. Will Silverstone be on the F1 circuit after 2009?
Read the article also, it also said that the BRDC had made some plan to save Silverstone that would renovate the circuit etc etc. Recently Bernie also said that he was not willing to deal with the BRDC (who own Silverstone), my guess it won't be on their much longer, unless something drastic gets done soon.
Frankl is right (as so often): BRDC (read Jackie Stewart) squandered their money on building themselves a big club house instead of investing into the track's infrastructure. As I said many times on here before: Visiting Silverstone ain't no picknick: They did build a highway to the track (huray!), but traffic still goes through the tiny town of Silverstone. Doesn't bother the rich folks as they fly in by helicopter, but very painful for the fans. The parking is on the grass, on a hilly slope, much fun in the rain. Nott. Barely any toilets, you gotta use pottys instead. Compare Silverstone to the traditional track in the US, Indy and you see the difference in how much better all the logistics are handled. Huge highway to the track, lots of parking, lots of toilets, lots of food stands. All the basics taken care of. Don't tell me Silverstone lacks this because it is old. Indy is even older than that. And it is not that they don't have space there. There is tons of space, but it is just not being developed. A great track with lots of tradition, but abismal conditions for the fans. I'm all rooting for Bernie to squeeze the BRDC into upgrading the infrastructure. It worked in Spa and in Imola, why not in the UK. PS: What's a bit ironic is that the best track in the UK lost its British GP for its lack of logistical infrastructure, but by now Silverstone isn't much better than Brands Hatch. So if somebody wants to cough up the quids to save a track, I much rather see that money go to Brands Hatch. Much better views for the fans, real elevation changes and even an (old) Hockenheim like section through the forest.
