Mark Webber has insisted that it is imperative that Silverstone remain on the Formula 1 calendar, arguing that the self-styled 'Home of British Motorsport' is 'one of the better venues, if not the best venue' in the sport.
The future of the British Grand Prix has been in doubt for a number of years, with F1 ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone repeatedly issuing scathing outbursts about what he deems to be the sub-standard state of facilities at the former airfield, and stressing that the British Racing Drivers' Club – which owns the track – must pay the going rate if it is to retain its slot on the schedule.
The cost to host the event post-2009 – when the current contract is set to expire – is believed to be of the order of £11 million, increasing every year throughout the course of the deal. Abu Dhabi – which will welcome F1 for the first time late next year – is understood to be paying £30m per annum for the privilege.
Echoing the argument put forward by team principal and his former boss Sir Frank Williams, however, Webber advocated the need to preserve the traditional races in the top flight alongside the new countries clamouring to host the sport, adding that in his view Silverstone does not deserve the harsh criticism that is so frequently levelled at it.
“We need a British Grand Prix because of the history that surrounds it and the industry that supports it,” the plain-speaking Aussie wrote in his regular column for
BBC Sport. “It is so deep-rooted. I would like us to keep as many of those trademark venues as we can.
“We do need to go with the flow – and go where the sport needs to be to grown – but we have already lost Imola, Suzuka and some others. We cannot afford to lose Silverstone, Monza, Spa, circuits like that.
“It comes in for a lot of criticism from Bernie, but I went up there on my way back from Bahrain and I was just blown away by it. Everything was top dollar. The lawns looked beautiful; the flags were all freshly-pressed. I thought 'wow, they're trying hard'.
“There are always areas you can improve – the garages are tight, for example – but everything else is pretty good. Silverstone is one of the better venues, if not the best venue, at the moment.
“Having said that, I am sure Bernie is not bluffing with his threats. It is his train set and he can put the rails down as he likes. One day he might follow through with what he is saying. It needs to be respected that there are other countries pushing to host a race.
