Formula 1: Grand Prix still on despite foot-and-mouth

The British Grand Prix at Silverstone is under no threat from foot-and-mouth unless the crisis spirals out of control.

Procedures put in place at the Northamptonshire circuit should mean the July event will go ahead.

The track is close to a confirmed case of foot-and-mouth and a government exclusion zone.

Should the local situation become worse then a second public entrance to the circuit may have to be used to allow swifter access for spectators who would have been held up by disinfecting procedures.

If a second entrance is needed for the public then one normally restricted to use by the media would be turned over for use by spectators.

The Motor Sport Association, which issues track certificates to circuits like Silverstone, would not shut down the race because of foot-and-mouth because that is outside the body's jurisdiction.

"Silverstone already has a track certificate and that is issued after we have made checks on such things as crash barriers, gravel tracks and the position of marshals," said the MSA's Colin Wilson.

"We are checking daily with the government regarding the foot and mouth situation. But that is to do with all of the events we are concerned with on a national basis and not just Silverstone, we are not making daily checks about just Silverstone."

However, should the foot-and-mouth crisis worsen, the MSA will be seeking further government guidance because of the rural location of Silverstone.

Large areas of farmland are used for car parking for crowds which could top 100,000 over the British Grand Prix weekend and paths in rural areas are also used for the public to gain access from car parking areas to the circuit.

Last year public access to the Grand Prix was also a major problem but that was when the race was staged earlier in the year and heavy rain caused chaos.