QUOTE
The British Racing Drivers' Club have clinched a deal with Bernie Ecclestone to keep the British GP on the F1 calendar for the next five years.
An official announcement has yet to be made but it is understood that the deal was signed on Thursday morning.
Not surprisingly, sports minister Richard Caborn welcomed the news.
He said: "This is a great day for the future of the motor industry in the UK.
"We have been working with the East Midlands Development Agency and the local authority to develop this industrial cluster at Silverstone.
"This should not only secure the long-term future of the all the teams operating out of the UK but will give the opportunity for others to join.
"This is consistent with the Government's policy of developing world-beating centres of excellence for manufacturing."
The deal, which secures the Silverstone race until 2009, comes just a day before next year's F1 calendar is due to be officially ratified in Monte Carlo.
BRDC president Sir Jackie Stewart refused to reveal exactly what date the race will be given.
He told Sky: "The announcement will be confirmed tomorrow in Monte Carlo."
Britain is one of only two countries - the other being Italy - that has staged a grand prix every year since the foundation of the F1 world championship in 1950.
An official announcement has yet to be made but it is understood that the deal was signed on Thursday morning.
Not surprisingly, sports minister Richard Caborn welcomed the news.
He said: "This is a great day for the future of the motor industry in the UK.
"We have been working with the East Midlands Development Agency and the local authority to develop this industrial cluster at Silverstone.
"This should not only secure the long-term future of the all the teams operating out of the UK but will give the opportunity for others to join.
"This is consistent with the Government's policy of developing world-beating centres of excellence for manufacturing."
The deal, which secures the Silverstone race until 2009, comes just a day before next year's F1 calendar is due to be officially ratified in Monte Carlo.
BRDC president Sir Jackie Stewart refused to reveal exactly what date the race will be given.
He told Sky: "The announcement will be confirmed tomorrow in Monte Carlo."
Britain is one of only two countries - the other being Italy - that has staged a grand prix every year since the foundation of the F1 world championship in 1950.
~ Very Happy Chappy.
Very Excited ... this is very good news !
