The BBC are saying that, after the license fee got frozen:
Petrol went (more) through the roof
Gas/Electricity prices went (more) through the roof
Food prices went up dramatically
Accommodation prices went up...
Yet their fee remains the same, so they need to save £100m+ to save themselves from going bust.
Having a cheaper unit in Manchester, but having to keep the expensive London studio open for whats basically Top Gear and various political programmes doesn't help either.. all because their highly paid staff wont move up north.
-edit-
Also was said, although its unlikely, that if a buyer cannot be found before the end of the season that there's a slim chance the last few races won't be shown at all...
As long as Bernie and co get the $$$ agreed he couldn't care less. And now showing the GP is still a minor saving.