At its recent AGM, the British Racing Drivers Club unanimously elected Derek Warwick as its new president, replacing former F1 World Champion Damon Hill, OBE, who has held the post since 2006.
Warwick won the Le Mans 24 Hours with Peugeot in 1992, and is a former F1 driver with teams such as Toleman, Renault, Arrows and Lotus, racing qualities that former BRDC president Sir Jackie Stewart says are essential for the post, “It’s very important for the BRDC to have a president who has achieved at the highest level in motor sport. Derek Warwick fits the bill; not only on that criteria, but he also has a good understanding of business—an excellent combination for the Club.”
In his maiden speech shortly after his election Warwick said, “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. 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 21st century race circuit with 21st 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.
He went on to confirm he would back young drivers coming into the sport, one of the club’s primary objectives, “I am also passionate about supporting our young British drivers. It is important to me that the Club is a place that young drivers want to come to. We 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 programs such as the BRDC SuperStars, BRDC Rising Stars and McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year, of which I am chairman.
“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.”
In closing, Damon Hill looked back on his tenure as president, “I would like to express my gratitude to the members of the BRDC for having had me as their president, and for all that it has done to help make my term as fruitful and enjoyable as possible. The club has a unique place in motor sport and is respected around the world. I am very glad to have had the opportunity to work to develop and protect that reputation, together with my fellow members and board directors.”
He went on to reiterate Stewart’s comments regarding the merits of the new president, “Derek Warwick has lived the life of a professional racing driver and reached the very top of his profession. He knows what it takes to win, and he knows what if feels like to lose. I believe that this club should always have at its helm a racing driver who has lived that life. Derek will, I have absolutely no doubt, serve this club with the same determination and integrity with which he displayed to the world as a professional racing driver.”
By Mike Jiggle
