Privately, the BRDC is understood to reject any suggestion of irregularity.
Charles Braithwaite, a Partner with London-based firm Collyer Bristow, said:
“Paying to guarantee an exclusive period of negotiation is not uncommon,
especially in instances where, as here with Silverstone, there is a fairly
unique asset, although the money would normally be refundable.
“But if it was paid on a proper basis, to secure a period of exclusivity on
commercially-agreed terms, and if there was no intention to induce, reward
or cause any improper performance, then the exclusivity deal would appear to
be a normal commercial transaction.”
The BRDC — whose 800-odd members gave the board a mandate to go out and seek
fresh investment — has repeatedly stressed that it would only consider deals
upon terms which were clearly favourable to the long-term future of British
motor sport and to the club.