Silverstone confident of new GP deal

With the circuit's current deal coming to an end after next year's race, discussions about a new contract have already begun.

And with clear concerns about the impact the loss of the race would have on the British motor racing industry, Silverstone's managing director Richard Phillips has said he is encouraged by the support he is getting.

"I think that it is the first time since I have been around that everyone is pulling together - and that includes local government and (central) government," he said on stage at the Autosport International Show.

"We are keen that we retain the Grand Prix and retain the high-tech jobs for the industry to grow."

Although there are no guarantees a new contract can be agreed, Phillips said he believed Silverstone and Ecclestone were united about what was needed.

"[Retaining the Grand Prix] is key to Silverstone and key to the future of motorsport in this country," he explained. "We know what is required, we know we need a new pit and paddock for that to happen, and all those plans are going through at the moment.

"Bernie is pretty insistent that we up our game and get ourselves into the 21st century. And, to be honest, for what our brand is and what we mean for the UK, we are equivalent to Wembley, we are not up there and it is vital for the success of UK that we are."

When asked why he felt Silverstone faced a constant battle to prove itself, Phillips said: "I think it is a bit of a game in a way. We need to up our game anyway. Bernie is an Englishman and perhaps he would like to be proud of something we do in England."

Silverstone are expecting another sell-out British GP this year, with Phillips saying ticket sales are currently 'almost 100 percent' up on this stage last year.