JLR deal to buy Silverstone in the balance

The Jaguar Land Rover deal to buy Silverstone hangs in the balance after members of circuit owner the British Racing Drivers' Club narrowly voted to give the sale the go-ahead.

BRDC chairman John Grant announced a potential deal to members in February and a vote took place on Thursday. It is understood that 54 percent voted in favor of the move and the board will now consider the implications of the result.

The situation has been further complicated by a second offer to buy the home of the British Grand Prix from Ginetta owner Lawrence Tomlinson. Due to an exclusivity agreement with JLR, the BRDC board cannot enter into negotiations with Tomlinson until July, but the offer is thought to have created more of a split in the vote than had been expected.

Some members have also raised concerns over the sale of Silverstone to a corporation, rather than a more motorsport-related organization. One BRDC member at the meeting described the current situation as "very evenly balanced."

Originally on Autosport.com