F1: Keep Silverstone in championship pleads Stewart

Jackie Stewart has pleaded with Formula One chiefs not to strip Silverstone of its championship status.

A move to downgrade the British Grand Prix, following traffic problems during the last two years, will be discussed by the World Council of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), who will make a decision next Friday.

If Silverstone is downgraded, even though a £60m facelift is underway, the top teams and drivers would be under no obligation to race there.

And that could prompt a move to replace Silverstone on the 17-race FIA calendar.

But Stewart, chairman of the British Racing Drivers’ Club, one of three parties involved in the Silverstone improvements, said: ‘‘I simply cannot believe that FIA is seriously considering dropping us from the calendar.

‘‘Obviously it is a matter of great concern that this issue should have been brought into the public arena just before the world council is due to meet.

"I would hope it has the wisdom and foresight not to undermine the future of the British Grand Prix at a time when there is a huge commitment to ending, once and for all, the problems that have existed in the past,’’ Stewart told a British tabloid.

‘‘I can see no reason why they (FIA) should be thinking about making the British Grand Prix a non-championship race when we are putting up at least £60m to make it a state-of-the-art circuit.

‘‘We are doing everything possible to make the improvements necessary as swiftly as possible even to the extent of contributing £10.6m towards improving the road leading to Silverstone so that it will be in operation by next year’s race.

‘‘That will have a major effect on easing the traffic flow and congestion but I simply cannot believe that FIA could seriously consider dropping it from the calendar on traffic grounds especially when there are other venues like Brazil, Belgium and Italy that have problems equally as bad, if not worse.’’

Race promoters Octagon have dismissed reports that Silverstone might lose its official status on the F1 calendar.

FIA president Max Mosley said: ‘‘Any decision will be reached by the World Council on December 14 and it would be wrong for me to make any comment before then.’’

Octagon spokeswoman Maria Bellanca said: ‘‘This is nothing but speculation and it’s without a source.

‘‘It’s important to note also that the World Council will be considering an in-depth report of the British Motorsport Association, which we are confident will demonstrate how much progress was made at this year’s race at Silverstone.’’