MARK WEBBER

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Webber: F1 needs the British GP

Wednesday 2nd July 2008

Mark Webber says the criticism levelled at the British Grand Prix is unfair, and believes Formula One will lose a bit of history if the race drops from the calendar.

The contract between the British Racing Drivers' Club and Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone runs out at the end of next season, and it remains unclear whether or not the race will be on the 2010 calendar.

Red Bull's Mark Webber says it will be sad if Silverstone goes the way of other historic races like Imola and Suzuka.

"It is a shame there is always a discussion about the race's place on the calendar," he wrote in his BBC Sport column.

"We have already lost Imola, Suzuka and some others. And we cannot afford to lose Silverstone, Monza, Spa, circuits like that.

"We need a British Grand Prix because of the history that surrounds it and the industry that supports it. It is so deep-rooted.

"I am not that bothered about the venue but Silverstone is probably the best place to have it."

The Australian believes the people at the Northamptonshire circuit are doing their best to keep the track top notch.

"It comes in for a lot of criticism from Ecclestone but I went up there a few weeks ago on my way back from Bahrain and I was just blown away by it. Everything was top dollar," he said.

"The lawns looked beautiful. The flags were all freshly pressed. I thought: 'Wow, they're trying hard.'

"Having said that, I am sure Bernie is not bluffing with his threats. It is his train set and he can put the rails down as he likes."

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