Jaguar Land Rover to buy Silverstone racetrack?

Silverstone, home to the British F1 Gran Prix may be purchased by Tata owned Jaguar Land Rover, if recent reports are to be believed. The Silverstone circuit is valued at nearly £23 million, and the deal is expected to see JLR setting up a base at the track, which is currently owned by the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC).

The BRDC was set up in 1928 with 25 members with the intention of promoting British Motorsport. It took over the lease for Silverstone in the 1950s and bought the site in the 1970s.

Sources say JLR's plan involves the development of a five-star hotel, JLR heritage centre, a motor industry museum, a vehicle design workshop, offices and a visitor centre. The yet-to-be officially confirmed move is indicative of JLR's long term plans and Silverstone will most likely become a testing ground for upcoming cars from the Jaguar and Land Rover stables, including those from the Special Vehicles Operations (SVO) division. Apart from helping JLR with product development, the bragging rights of having developed a vehicle at Silverstone will be a big selling point.

The proposal is said to be in its seminal stages and for the deal to go through, it has to be agreed upon by the 850 members of the BRDC.

Source: birminghampost