Now Bernie says F1 open to Silverstone return

(GMM) Formula one's doors have not been completely closed to Silverstone, Bernie Ecclestone insists.

The F1 chief executive last year signed a contract to switch the British grand prix to Donington from 2010, vowing never to return to the Northamptonshire circuit owned by the British Racing Drivers' Club.

It is often suggested that, contrary to Ecclestone's argument that the Silverstone facilities are not up to date, the 78-year-old simply does not get along with those who run the BRDC.

But with reports now doubting Donington's chances of being ready for 2010, Bernie has denied that his mind is totally closed to the prospect of ever returning to Silverstone.

"If they were to do what they should have done, and what we've been asking them to do for five years, we'd have to have a look at it," he told London's Times newspaper. "We've got nothing against Silverstone."

However, he denied BRDC president Damon Hill's assertion that talks have already taken place.

"No, I'm not talking to them," Ecclestone told the magazine GPWeek.