The Americans will still be bidding for a 150-year lease, though, with the
opportunity to develop Silverstone and its surrounding land comprising some
760 acres.
A separate deal to buy land adjacent to Silverstone owned by former team owner
Eddie Jordan would need to be concluded separately.
The BRDC insisted once again on Thursday that it did not need a partner to
continue the redevelopment.
“With or without any investment, the long-term futures of both
Silverstone and the British Grand Prix are absolutely secure,” chairman
Stuart Rolt said.
“If we cannot find a suitable partner, we shall continue with the
development ourselves, albeit at a slower pace.”
However, with debts believed to be in the region of £30 million to £50 million,
and a commitment to F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone over the timetable
for redevelopment, new investment would surely be welcome.
Meanwhile, Ferrari
unveiled the first step in a major upgrade package on the final day of
testing in Mugello on Thursday.
The Italian team have opted for radical redesign of their exhaust exits and
rear bodywork but lost two hours of track time after Fernando Alonso crashed
the car.