Bernie Ecclestone has hailed the updated British grand prix venue but admitted it is “a great shame” the improvements were not made a decade ago.<\/p>\n
Ecclestone, historically fiercely critical of the famous Northamptonshire circuit, attended the re-opening of Austria’s A1-Ring last weekend but sent along his apologies as Silverstone’s new ‘Wing’ complex was launched on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
“I’m very sorry that I’m not here for this important occasion for the future of formula one and the future of Silverstone,” he said in a statement read out for the press in his absence.<\/p>\n
“It’s a great shame it couldn’t be completed ten years ago but well done,” added Ecclestone.<\/p>\n
Last year, Silverstone installed a new loop and for July’s race the start-line has been moved between the Club and Abbey corners, the location of a brand new triple storey pit and paddock complex.<\/p>\n
“Bernie has acknowledged that Silverstone has come up to the requirement that he stipulated,” said 1996 world champion Damon Hill, now the president of the Silverstone-owning British Racing Drivers’ Club.<\/p>\n
“So much of this is the way it is because it is the way Bernie wanted it,” he added.<\/p>\n
Ecclestone’s satisfaction means the new 17-year contract for the grand prix is now on track to being fully honoured, as the 80-year-old said the new complex is “the backbone of Silverstone’s plans to be a world-class facility”.<\/p>\n
“We’d like to have seen Bernie,” admitted Hill.\u00a0 “We did invite him, and we were very excited when he accepted, but we understand that he’s very busy.”<\/p>\n
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