Silverstone protest threat is lifted

FEARS that next week’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone could be thrown into chaos were dismissed today when Minardi boss Paul Stoddart withdrew his threat of a potential protest.

The Australian has scrapped plans to run his cars without drivers’ aids, ending the chance that all the other 18 cars could be declared illegal.

Stoddart is understood to have been guaranteed around £5 million by the other teams, which will ensure the future of his cash-strapped outfit for the rest of the season.