A Grand Prix on the streets of London could be a step closer after the UK government overturned a ban on racing on British roads today.
Bernie Ecclestone has long held the dream of holding a race on the streets of the British capital, but a ban on motor racing on public roads has been one of the major hurdles to overcome.
That will now change as prime minister David Cameron confirmed on Friday during a visit to the Williams F1 facility that local councils will be granted the power to close public highways for motor racing events.
“We have a great tradition of motorsport in this country and today we are bringing British motor racing back to British roads, to benefit local communities,” he said.
“As part of our long-term economic plan, we are backing our world-leading motorsport industry to support jobs, enhance skills and help us to build a more resilient economy.
“Following the huge success of the first three stages of this year’s Tour de France being staged in the UK, which saw an estimated 3.5 million spectators line the streets, todays move will allow local communities across the country to reap the benefits from staging elite motor sports events.”
Whilst a race in London still remains unlikely due to the logistics involved, it is now a step closer and legally possible should Ecclestone push for it once again.
The 83-year-old has even offered to finance the race should it happen.
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