Why Formula 1 grand prix could stay in Silverstone

No Donington, no British Grand Prix, Bernie Ecclestone has insisted in the past. But in light of the financial problems facing the East Midlands racing circuit, Formula 1's chief executive may just have to swallow his pride and allow the British GP to return to Silverstone in 2010.

Two weeks ago, legal proceedings were launched by Donington racing circuit's owners, Wheatcroft and Son, against the promoter of the British GP event, Donington Ventures group, for £2.5m in unpaid rent. Wheatcroft and Son want nothing less than the forfeiture of the 150 year lease.

This led Ecclestone to claim, "If Donington can't put on the British Grand Prix then that's it. We will be leaving Britain. There is no question of us going back to Silverstone, they have had enough chances and have not delivered what they promised."

But according to the the Concord Agreement, a new commercial contract that Ecclestone wants Formula 1 teams to sign, there are five protected races - seen as part of Formula 1's heritage: Britain, France, Italy, Belgium and Germany.

Besides this admittedly unsigned and therefore unenforceable clause, the five races are also enshrined in FIA's Formula 1 constitution - and there is the small matter that fully six of the current ten F1 teams are based within an hour's drive of Silverstone.

With a government rescue of Donington out of the question in the current financial climate, Silverstone looks an increasingly attractive option. Despite Ecclestone's disparaging comments, the circuit is in rude health. It will be hosting the 2009 British GP and has recently spent £7m on an upgrade to accommodate motorcycling's MotoGP. The circuit also has £40m worth of financing ready for release should Ecclestone see the writing on the wall and concede defeat. ·