Lords debate racing

Motor sport made a rare appearance in the House of Lords in March during a debate on the UK’s position as an industry leader.

Lord Astor, president of the Motorsport Industry Association, warned the government that F1 budget caps would lead to job losses, and called it “a scandal” that Patricia Hewitt had announced £16 million of support for motor sport in 2003, which turned out to be worth £10m.

Baroness Vedera, on behalf of the government, said she would happily meet the FIA and British F1 teams, but that there was no budget to continue the Motorsport Development UK initiative after March 2009. She added that it was “essential to retain the British Grand Prix”.

Meanwhile, the BRDC revealed proposals for a new pits complex at Silverstone (above), as it works to secure the future of the race.