Brands to secure GP permission

A story in the magazine reports that Denys Rohan, the boss of the Silverstone track - which Brands will replace as the GP circuit - believes that Kent County Council can be persuaded to give planning permission for changes to the circuit, which they have so far withheld.

The alterations, which would be needed to bring the track up to FIA safety specifications, apparently requie the destruction of an area of ancient woodland - and this has raised the ire of environmentalists.

Rohan is still keen to broker a deal with the Brands Hatch management, who own the contract to run the British GP from 2002, to operate the GP at Silverstone. However, the cost of doing this would mean the race would run at a loss.

Rohan has suggested that once Kent County Council are persuaded of the increase in jobs and investment that the GP would bring were it to be held in Kent, they will approve the changes.

There is still a chance that Brands Hatch's management could arrange to hold the race at Donington Park, which last held a Grand Prix in 1993.

Max Mosley, FIA boss, has apparently suggested that Donington could very quickly be brought up to the required standard