Warwick confirmed as BRDC President

Derek Warwick was formally elected as the President of the BRDC at the club’s AGM today.

Warwick replaces his fellow ex-F1 driver Damon Hill, who had decided to step down.

“First and foremost I would like to thank Damon for the loyalty and commitment he has shown to the BRDC during his time as President,” said Warwick. “He steered us through some difficult, but ultimately successful times and my aim is to continue where Damon left off.

“The BRDC and Silverstone face an exciting future. We now have a 21^st century race circuit with 21^st century facilities; over the next 5-10 years we have the opportunity to continue developing Silverstone into the best motor sport venue in the world.

“The immediate focus is on securing third party investment in Silverstone, to realise the full potential of the 760 acre Estate. While the President is a non-voting member of the BRDC Board, I will continue to work closely with the Board as we seek and consider opportunities with suitable third parties.”

Warwick said he wanted to focus on younger drivers: “It is important to me that the Club is a place that young drivers want to come to. Us older members are the heart and soul of the BRDC, but the younger drivers are our future. That’s why I’ll remain very much involved with programmes such as the BRDC SuperStars, BRDC Rising Stars and McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year, of which I am Chairman.

“The success of the British motor sport industry, including the British Grand Prix, is intrinsically linked to the success of British drivers, competing at the pinnacle of their sport. These are tough economic times for everyone, especially our young drivers, and the motor sport industry needs to pull together to support up-and-coming talent.

“We should not take it for granted that we’ll always have British drivers competing at the highest level. The BRDC is a key stakeholder in British motor sport and as President of the Club I have a responsibility to make sure we are doing our bit, along with other stakeholders, such as the F1 teams, the MSA, MIA and RAC, to support and develop young British talent.”