Whitmarsh: Silverstone return good for F1
Whitmarsh said McLaren is looking forward to racing two British world champions at Silverstone in 2010
Monday, 07, Dec 2009 12:29
By Adam Leveridge
McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh said the announcement that Silverstone has saved the British grand prix is good news for formula one.
On Monday morning at a press conference in London, the Bristish Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) revealed it had signed a deal with the sport's commercial rights holders Bernie Ecclestone and CVC, which will guarantee the future of the race for the next 17 years.
In response to the BRDC's announcement Whitmarsh said McLaren - whose driver lineup features both Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button - is looking forward to racing two British world champions at the 2010 event, which is scheduled for July 11th.
"The world championship wouldn't be complete without a race in Great Britain - so the announcement is good news for every F1 team and for the millions of grand prix fans who understand the importance of a British grand prix to the fabric of world motorsport," said Whitmarsh.
"From the perspective of McLaren Mercedes, we are now tremendously looking forward to the race.
"With Jenson and Lewis, our two British world champions, we will travel to Silverstone knowing that the focus will be on us to perform.
"And we want to provide the best show we can for the many thousands of supporters who will be cheering their national heroes throughout the weekend."
Last year's world champion Hamilton added that he cannot wait to fly the flag for Britain at Silverstone alongside his new team-mate.
"Firstly, it's fantastic news that the British grand prix will stay on the calendar for 2010," said Hamilton.
"Secondly, it's great that the race will be at Silverstone.
"The place has an atmosphere that money can't buy, and I have some fantastic memories of the track - winning both races in GP2 in 2006, getting an incredibly emotional and satisfying pole in 07 and winning in the wet in my championship year.
"Most importantly, those achievements have all been underlined by the reaction and support of the Silverstone crowd, which has always been fantastic.
"British fans are the greatest F1 supporters in the world - and this must be the best Christmas present they could ever ask for."