“We have a contract with them and we’re respecting the contract,” he said.
“And I don’t believe the people there would take a risk if they thought
there was a risk.”
While publicly no one from within the sport has demurred, privately many are
concerned that the event could turn into a PR disaster, or even exacerbate
the unrest. Last month’s first anniversary of the civil uprising saw violent
clashes between anti-government protesters and police.
The revelation that Formula One will be paid regardless of whether the race
goes ahead or not will further mystify those who believe that the sport’s
rulers are taking an unnecessary risk in going.
Ecclestone did not clarify whether the money would have to be returned should
Formula One cancel the race rather than the organisers.
Meanwhile, Sir Frank Williams has announced that he is to step down from the
board of Williams Grand Prix Holdings at the end of the month, ahead of his
70th birthday in April.
Williams, who will remain team principal and majority shareholder of the
company, insisted the move was “not as dramatic as it may appear”, although
he conceded that it signalled “the next stage in the gradual but
inevitable process of handing over the reins”.
The team, who have won nine constructors’ and seven drivers’ titles in 35
years, also lost co-founder Patrick Head as a board member at the end of
last year when he quit the sport.
Williams’ daughter, Claire, will represent the family on the board after being
promoted to director of marketing and communications.