F1 Bids for London Olympic Stadium


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A grand prix could be held on the London Olympic Stadium, if officials approve a bid put forward by F1.

The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) already considers proposals for the use of the London Olympic Stadium once the 2012 Olympic Games are finished. Intelligent Transport Solutions Ltd already expressed its desire to use of the stadium for an F1 race and has already reached sport’s commercial boss Bernie Ecclestone concerning this proposal.

“This is a firm that happened to be bidding for use of the stadium, not to own it. They came up with a scheme whereby Formula 1 would race around the stadium, inside it, outside it. They wanted to make sure I would be interested,” declared Ecclestone.
If Ecclestone agrees, this means that cars will pass directly through the stadium before surrounding the Olympic Park, a space earmarked as a new urban living area. Besides F1’s bid, other three have been put forward to the LLDC to be considered, coming from football clubs West Ham and Leyton Orient, and also the University of East London.

F1 Bids for London Olympic Stadium
 
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Bernie Ecclestone is gearing up on Thursday to launch a bid for a grand prix on the streets of London.
The plans are reportedly separate to a McLaren sponsor event that imagines a fictitious layout in the British capital, as well as suggestions a London race could be run in and around the Olympic stadium.
The Times reports that 81-year-old Ecclestone is prepared to put up almost $55 million to organise a street race around famous landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and Nelson's Column.
Other British media reports say the plans will be unveiled later on Thursday.
"Think what it would do for tourism," Ecclestone said. "It would be fantastic, good for London, good for England -- a lot better than the Olympics."
Mayor of London Boris Johnson's office did not immediately comment.
Ecclestone continued: "With the way things are, maybe we would front it and put the money up for it.
"If we got the okay and everything was fine, I think we could do that."


Read more: Ecclestone offers to pay for London grand prix
 
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The possibility of a London Grand Prix being added to the forulam 1 calendar gathered pace this week when Bernie Ecclestone threw his weight behind it. He even went as far as to say he would help fund the project himself.
Santander have now offered a speculative look at what the circuit could look like with this computer generated video. It shows the track will run by famous landmarks including Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace that would give the Queen a front row seat to the race. McLaren F1 drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button have also thrown their hats into the ring by discussing the potential circuit from a drivers point of view.
However, the enormous cost of hosting such an event is likely to put a damper on fans enthusiasm. Not to mention the fact that Silverstone has a long term contract to host the British Grand Prix and F1 are unlikely to have two British circuits on the calendar.


The London GP by Santander - 3D race with Hamilton & Button - YouTube
 
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Bernie Ecclestone has hit back at those scoffing at his apparent plans to front a London street race.
Insiders have dismissed the stories either as clever publicity, or a masterly diversion from the Gerhard Gribkowsky corruption scandal.
But, according to the Guardian, he told business journalist Christian Sylt this week: "We are getting on with it.
"It is no joke, 100 per cent completely no joke."
A separate report in Germany's Kolner Express linked the appearance at Silverstone of Olympic Games chief Jacques Rogge with reports F1 could use London's Olympic stadium as the scene of a grand prix.
"A London grand prix would be bigger than the Olympic Games," Ecclestone is quoted as saying.
In other F1 circuit news, Luca di Montezemolo has admitted he would like Ferrari's Mugello track to host a grand prix.
The flowing circuit near Florence, renovated last year and used for a F1 test earlier this season, is gearing up this week to host MotoGP.
"It would be a dream come true to one day also see a formula one world championship race take place at Mugello," Ferrari president Montezemolo said.


Read more: Ecclestone insists London GP plans 'no joke'
 
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Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone believes crowds will flock to watch motor racing if it were hosted at London’s 2012 Olympic stadium.

One bid for the stadium, once the Olympics ends, is for motor racing. The London Legacy Development Corporation will decide its use.

SOCCER TEAM FAVOURITES

Other bidders are Leyton Orient Football Club, UCFB College of Football Business and Premier League team West Ham United which is said to be the favourite choice of tenant.

The bid for motor racing is involved with a little-known company acting in association with F1. Ecclestone denies any involvement.

The 81-year old has voiced his interest in hosting a race in London and a recent visit to the Olympic Park, to watch some sports, might have been a chance to asses whether motor racing would be successful at the site.

STILL LOOKING

"It's surprising how many people have come out, it's good. I'm sure we'd get big crowds," Ecclestone said. "It depends on the circuit, at the moment we are just looking at that. Somebody is looking about going into the centre of the arena and out again, so whether that is going happen or not, we'll have a look and see."

The motor racing bid was made in association with a company called Intelligent Transport Services, the London Legacy Development Corporation said.

Ecclestone has long backed a street race in English capital, although money, political and environmental concerns have so far proved impossible obstacles.

"We looked before about something more in central London, so we'll see what happens. Let's get this out the way, and then we'll have a look at it," he said.
 

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