Big names slam date change

Predictions of poor weather conditions look set to be fulfilled, with the circuit already stopping ticket sales for the practice days to try and make sure that the car parks remain usable for race day.

'It's not the right time to be here, honestly,' said Michael Schumacher. 'It really is too cold. It feels like winter testing in Italy.'

Jackie Stewart called the decision a 'disaster.'

'I feel terribly sorry for the fans of Formula One,' he said, reacting to the news that car park conditions had forced the circuit to stop selling tickets.

'The British Grand Prix is one of the most historic events on the calendar and the FIA has not done it justice. They should be ashamed.'

Eddie Jordan was concerned about the commercial implications of holding the event on a weekend almost guaranteed to bring poor weather.

'No racing team wants to bring guests and sponsors to any venue if the weather is not conducive to what our business is about,' he said. 'The reason we go to Australia and Brazil in March is to chase the weather so it is hazardous to be coming to Silverstone in late April.'