Szafnauer relieved by Silverstone contract
F1 News
Otmar Szafnauer has expressed his relief at the British Grand Prix being confirmed for the next five years following the announcement earlier this week. The circuit's contract was set to expire after this weekend's race but a new five-year deal has been reached.
Silverstone hosted its first British Grand Prix in 1948 and then two years later it hosted the first British Grand Prix as part of the World Championship. Silverstone, Aintree and Brands Hatch from 1955 to 1986, but relocated permanently to Silverstone in 1987.
SportPesa Racing Point are located at the famous circuit and their team principal expressed his relief surrounding the new deal.
"Well, it's great, it's a huge relief actually because Silverstone needs to be on the calendar for a long time coming," Szafnauer told GPBlog.com.
"The fans are the most passionate and I don't say things lightly I mean it.
"We need to have a race in Britain and it is great that it's at Silverstone."
SportPesa Racing Point driver, Sergio Perez's home race of Mexico is also under threat and Szafnauer stressed the importance of getting them tied down, adding: "We need to go to go to venues where they love their motor racing.
"Just do good deals with them."