AUGUST 19, 1996

Ecclestone buys legendary RAF base

BERNIE ECCLESTONE is in the final stages of buying the famous World War II Royal Air Force aerodrome at Biggin Hill.

BERNIE ECCLESTONE is in the final stages of buying the famous World War II Royal Air Force aerodrome at Biggin Hill. The airfield, which is perched on the top of the North Downs, to the south of London, shot to fame in 1940 as one of the main fighter stations defending the city during the Battle of Britain.

In recent years Biggin Hill has been an important center for private aviation and Ecclestone's private jets are based there. Biggin Hill's old hangars have also housed Bernie's large private car collection and the airfield has also become the home of FOCA Television - which is expanding fast with the arrival of digital TV in F1. If the sale is successful Biggin Hill could become the hub of all FOCA activities in the future.