Silverstone gets green light
Brian Binley Northampton South MP is delighted by the decision to keep the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. It is great news for Northamptonshire which has a long history with motor racing and Formula One in particular.
The news of a 17 year deal for Silverstone provides job security for those involved by the motor sport industry in the surrounding area. 40,000 people are employed in the motor sport industry and at a time where Britain is suffering from the recession a deal securing the long term future of this many jobs is most welcome.
The deal confirms Britain and Northamptonshire’s importance to the technology and manufacturing sector. It is now hoped that even more investment in this sector is encouraged due to the long term nature of the deal. This is great news for the local economy and it is hopeful Northamptonshire can now develop as a technological centre that Britain can be proud of.
Those who have been involved in brokering the deal have worked tirelessly to ensure that Silverstone stayed the home of British motorsport and they should be applauded for this. After securing a deal to bring Moto GP to Silverstone earlier on in the season, adding the Formula One Grand Prix to the calendar is a mouth-watering prospect for motorsport fans from all over Britain.
Brian said:
“I am delighted by the news. After speaking to the Director of Silverstone, Richard Phillips, two weeks ago I felt sure that a positive decision was immanent. He assured me they were working hard to secure a deal.
“I believe that by asking the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee (BIS) to visit Silverstone as part of their inquiry into motorsport we have helped to highlight the importance of Silverstone to the motorsport industry.”
“I hope that now Silverstone can move forward and invest in making the circuit a world-class venue for drivers, fans and teams to be proud of. It is a decision that race fans, teams and drivers all wanted.”
“It was important that a deal was concluded which was beneficial to Silverstone financially and it is fantastic that Bernie has recognised the importance of a British Grand Prix.”
“It is also fantastic news for local jobs. Many will feel more secure about the future of the motorsport industry in the surrounding area as a result of the deal with seven teams based in Britain. I hope that this will encourage future investment in Northamptonshire and make it a great and prosperous place to live and work.”
