Silverstone’s new managing director says he hopes to dramatically reduce the cost of attending the British Grand Prix in the near future.
Patrick Allen, who was appointed to the role just last week, hopes to see the basic race-day ticket come down to at least £99, a more than 36 per cent reduction.
The race is one of the most expensive on the calendar as it receives no government backing and is therefore reliant on ticket sales to cover its costs.
Whilst the race never struggles to draw a crowd – it has sold out for the past few years – Allen believes British fans “deserve” cheaper tickets.
“What I would like to do is see ticket prices falling for the British Grand Prix,” he told BBC Look East.
“In my mind I have the benchmark of a £99 admission ticket. I think that’s what customers deserve.”
He hopes to increase capacity and improve facilities at the circuit, giving fans more things to do whilst they’re their, in the hope the increased concessions will even out the books.
“I would much rather see better ticket offers and once people are here, do more for them,” he added.
“If you want to get more people here every year, you don’t do that by putting the ticket prices up. We are desperately trying to bring the ticket price down.”
Allen is confident the circuit’s owner, the British Racing Drivers’ Club, will remain committed to improving the circuit despite their recent attempts to sell it.
“Yes it’s true they tried to sell the circuit. That didn’t happen for whatever reason,” he explained.
“They are very much concentrating now on making this a successful venue. You can ever say never, but for the foreseeable future we have to build this business.
“Right now my remit from the BRDC is very clear, which is to make this a profitable, blue riband venue.”
