House of Commons concerned for UK motorsport

A committee in the House of Commons has expressed its worries for Britain's motorsport industry, claiming that it may lose its attractiveness and market if ministers continue to refuse support. At present, the British Grand Prix is funded entirely by private company the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) and runs without a contribution from the national government, which has already caused large upsets – especially when considering that costs continue to rise for the billion-pound London 2012 Olympic Games project.

Silverstone's Grand Prix is currently one of only two on the 19-race calendar which is not supported by the host nation's government.

"We find it difficult to imagine any other country sidelining such an important industry," Peter Luff, Chairman of the Commons Business, Innovation and Skills committee, is quoted as saying by the BBC.

The committee's 'Full Speed Ahead' report claims that the British motorsport market may be lost should it continue to be treated by the government as a "niche". "The government needs to address this problem if the UK is to maintain this pre-eminent international industry and help it flourish," Luff added.

The committee has labeled the industry, which houses 4,500 small firms, as 'A crown jewel of UK manufacturing' and now aims to see a specialist policy team established within the business department of Lord Peter Mandelson, which holds responsibility for the motorsport industry. GPUpdate.net