
On Monday the BRDC, who own the Silverstone circuit, signed a 17-year deal with formula one supremo Ecclestone to secure the future of the British grand prix until 2026.
Enthusiasts were left delighted at the news that the historic race had been saved by the BRDC after months of uncertainty.
FOSA, on the other hand, isn't convinced the BRDC can generate the necessary cash to pay the rising fee to host the race.
'When you get over the pleasure at the prospect of the British grand prix actually going ahead, it's an astonishingly brave, bold or some might even say dangerous financial commitment on the part of the BRDC,' said Zorbas.
'Last year the weather was OK, and we had two competitive British drivers in Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, so numbers were good, but I know quite a lot of our members waited before buying, because tickets went quite slowly at first and so they got them at reduced prices.
'Hopefully Lewis and Jenson will still be at the top for the next few years, so the interest will stay high, but economic conditions are tough, people are finding it hard.
'Even staying at a campsite it's an expensive weekend, and if prices start rising numbers will start falling off. It has to stay affordable.'
In 2009 more than 300,000 spectators entered the gates at Silverstone, but with Formula One Management (FOM) owning income-generating sources such as television fees, circuit advertising and high-earning corporate hospitality, FOSA fears that the only way the BRDC can raise money is with a five per cent year-on-year hike in the price of a ticket.
Originally, it was thought that Ecclestone was charging the circuit an annual fee of £12 million with an annual increase of seven per cent.
However, speculation now suggests the BRDC managed to knock the F1 supremo down to a four or five per cent increase every year.
Zorbas told the Independent newspaper: 'Our concern is how they intend to generate enough income to cover that, bearing in mind the number of people who can go is effectively capped anyway by agreement with the local police.'
Former world champion and BRDC president Damon Hill added: 'It is a tough deal to fulfil, there is no question of that, but it is a commitment.
'We have moved into a new realm where we are committed to developing Silverstone and making big investments into the circuit.'
Enthusiasts were left delighted at the news that the historic race had been saved by the BRDC after months of uncertainty.
FOSA, on the other hand, isn't convinced the BRDC can generate the necessary cash to pay the rising fee to host the race.
'When you get over the pleasure at the prospect of the British grand prix actually going ahead, it's an astonishingly brave, bold or some might even say dangerous financial commitment on the part of the BRDC,' said Zorbas.
'Last year the weather was OK, and we had two competitive British drivers in Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, so numbers were good, but I know quite a lot of our members waited before buying, because tickets went quite slowly at first and so they got them at reduced prices.
'Hopefully Lewis and Jenson will still be at the top for the next few years, so the interest will stay high, but economic conditions are tough, people are finding it hard.
'Even staying at a campsite it's an expensive weekend, and if prices start rising numbers will start falling off. It has to stay affordable.'
In 2009 more than 300,000 spectators entered the gates at Silverstone, but with Formula One Management (FOM) owning income-generating sources such as television fees, circuit advertising and high-earning corporate hospitality, FOSA fears that the only way the BRDC can raise money is with a five per cent year-on-year hike in the price of a ticket.
Originally, it was thought that Ecclestone was charging the circuit an annual fee of £12 million with an annual increase of seven per cent.
However, speculation now suggests the BRDC managed to knock the F1 supremo down to a four or five per cent increase every year.
Zorbas told the Independent newspaper: 'Our concern is how they intend to generate enough income to cover that, bearing in mind the number of people who can go is effectively capped anyway by agreement with the local police.'
Former world champion and BRDC president Damon Hill added: 'It is a tough deal to fulfil, there is no question of that, but it is a commitment.
'We have moved into a new realm where we are committed to developing Silverstone and making big investments into the circuit.'

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