Circuit of Wales 'unviable' says Silverstone
UPDATE: Ebbw Vale circuit disputes Silverstone claims with explicit statement of legitimacy
CEO Michael Carrick added: "We are disappointed to have heard of the content of this letter, it sounds like Silverstone is resistant to investment within the automotive sector which is vital to its continued growth and development in the UK. The suggestion of ' illegal state aid' made by Silverstone also highlights they do not understand the basic process of applying for state funding of this nature."
[Source: CoW]
Original story, as reported 12:00 24/3/14:
It's been a while since anything has been heard about the Circuit of Wales. The Ebbw Vale track development sounded exciting, with motocross and karting as well as the 3.5-mile circuit. But recently progress has been delayed; the directors requiring a big-ticket event such as MotoGP for the circuit before construction could commence.
Today Silverstone further put the boot in, arguing that the project is "unviable" and declaring in a statement that any government financial support for the project would be deemed 'illegal state aid'. "A transfer of state resources would give Circuit of Wales an economic and selective advantage over other circuits," Silverstone management said in a statement. "Silverstone has no objection to competition between UK circuits, but it has to be a level playing field."
The Midlands track pointed out that a similar argument was put forward by the Government when Silverstone was looking for money to help keep the British Grand Prix and expand its Motorsport Valley project. "The application was denied on the basis that this would be classed as illegal state aid," it said.
It also drew comparison between Donington's failed attempted to woo Formula 1 and the Circuit of Wales. "Motor sport at circuit level is not particularly profitable and often loss-making," it said. "It would be unrealistic to suggest Circuit of Wales will be the exception."
More as and when it arrives.
[Sources: Silverstone, Autosport]
The whole thing is a farce. It's based around enthusiasm, over common sense.
With that in mind, Silverstone should welcome the competition and be more supportive of a sport that, in it's own words, struggles to make ends meet. However based on what is posted above, it needs to be done properly and fairly. Donington got bad press for failing to provide for F1 and another failed circuit surely makes british motorsport look like a sick man.
That said, having spoken to someone in the know, the top people involved are business men, and have no interest at all in motorsport. They must think they have some sort of chance of making their money back if they're willing to pursue it?
Silverstones just pissed as it looks like the new circuit might get motogp from them.
The biggest problems circuits have over there viability is operating restrictions due to noise. if the new circuit could run 7 days a week and have the odd 24hr race it might stand a chance.
They want government backing for the British Grand Prix – but none is forthcoming. And now this is just making them even more unhappy. They must know the Welsh Assembly already back the UK round of the WRC? So apart from the amount of money involved – what is different from the Welsh Assembly backing this circuit?
I guess you mean the A43? That was built to after a long campaign to take all the heavy traffic between the M1 to M40 off the single carriageway roads that ran through several villages. 365 days a year, not just to alleviate the inconvenience on F1 day. Silverstone's benefit was a lucky coincidence.
The Nurburgring experience shows that motorsport is a minority interest, and trying to broaden the appeal will just fail.
Better to invest in other UK circuits and improve facilities, than open a massive new circuit in Wales, which is very difficult for everyone except the Welsh to get to.
I race for my hobby, and while anglesey is on my calendar I (and many others) will think about going there, simply because it's a PITA to get to. Ebbw Vale wouldn't be any easier I don't think.
I know the Nurburgring is also in the mittel of nowhere but that has a special attraction....
Silverstone is just about as central at gets and has major road networks coming from all directions.
Silly
Silverstone is just about as central at gets and has major road networks coming from all directions.
Silly
It's also linked to the M50 by a dual carriageway.
It's very very easy to get to.
Silverstone is just about as central at gets and has major road networks coming from all directions.
Silly
I know what we can do to improve her... let's build a high-cost, low-profit racetrack in the one of the rainiest, dampest, un-sunniest parts of Britain... make sure we build on the edge of the main road network and far away from major airports... that should do it ;-)
Gassing Station | General Motorsport | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff