Adding to the pressure is the fact that Silverstone is one of few tracks which pays its hosting fee in arrears after years of under performance. “They are paying next year for this year’s race because I have allowed them to do this otherwise they would have closed before,” said Mr Ecclestone. It means that a letter of credit is necessary from Silverstone’s bank to guarantee that the British GP will go ahead. Mr Ecclestone said this might not be forthcoming due to Silverstone finding it difficult to cover its costs.