Brands Hatch

[IRLS]

Does anyone know what the layout of Brands would have been if it did end up hosting the brit GP from '99? The section on this website about Brands hatch said that the changes recently done to the track was much less radical than the changes that would have been done to bring F1 back to brands. Also does anyoneKnow Why the British Grand Prix stopped alternating between silverstone and Brands Hatch, as it did during the '80s?

[Edmonton]

I think the main reason F1 left Brands was money but I think there were some safety issues also.

[Lee Janotta]

The official reason is that Bernie decreed that GPs should stick to only one venue, not be alternated. One of the early steps in seperating F1 from every other form of motorsport. It's so specialized now it's a joke.

[Rob29]

Main reason for F1 not going to Brands was no room for Ron Dennis' hospitality building!The proposal outlined involved building a complete new pits/paddock complex,destroying an area of ancient woodlands.Seems the CART teams have no problem with the small area hehing the pits as they will not be bringing their transporters

[Stephen Green]

The main reason for the end to alternating between Silverstone and Brands was financial. With circuits being asked to spend more and more on updates for one race per year, Silverstone (BRDC) felt they had to have a five year contract to justify the expenditure.

Brands Hatch had obtained all the necessary planning permissions to carry out the proposed works in order to bring the GP back to Kent. At the last minute John Prestcott, a government minister, decided that the proposals should go to a Public Enquiry. This meant there was no certainty that Brands Hatch/Octagon would be able to get the work done in time for their first Grand Prix. They were left with little choice other than hiring Silverstone from the BRDC which led to the eventual leasing arrangement that exists today.