BTCC coy on Silverstone axe

It was initially thought that the circuit would not feature on the 2007 schedule because it could not accept the April 21/22 date that it was offered. Then there were suggestions that issues with traffic problems at this season's finale were the sticking point.

Silverstone issued a statement on Thursday, however, saying that it had accepted the April date and that it was baffled about why the BTCC had decided to drop the track from its calendar.

Those comments angered Gow, who issued his own statement on Thursday night claiming that Silverstone has been aware of the exact reasons behind the BTCC's decision for several days.

"The reasons for Silverstone not being on our 2007 calendar were made perfectly clear by us, in writing to (Silverstone managing director) Richard Phillips, some three days ago (December 4). Receipt of our correspondence was acknowledged by the management of Silverstone.

"Those same reasons were also clearly stated to them in previous, and subsequent, telephone conversations between the two parties.

"Therefore, I am completely at a loss as to why Silverstone feels it does not understand the reasons behind our decision - when, in fact, it has been fully aware of them for some days."

When asked by autosport.com about what were the issues with Silverstone, Gow declined to comment. He did confirm, however, that it was not related to the date and had nothing to do with the traffic issues.

Silverstone have also declined to comment about the issues. A spokesperson said: "Silverstone has nothing to add at this stage."