Brands to spring British GP coup

An announcement is expected imminently that wil lend Silverstone's tenure of the race and secure the future of Britain's premier event well into the new millennium.

Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone had warned that there was a real danger of the UK losing its race.

His comments came in the context of a battle for control of the event between Brands Hatch Leisure boss Nicola Foulston and Silverstone, which is owned by the British Racing Drivers' Club. If the new agreement is confirmed, it will resolve the dispute in Foulston's favour.

Brands has not hosted a GP since 1986, but it seems the sport's governing body, the FIA, has already approved an £18 million plan for track and paddock revisions aimed at turning it into a showcase F1 facility.

Ecclestone met Foulston earlier this week, and the result of their discussions is likely to see BHL secure an agreement to run the GP when Silverstone's contract expires in two years.

The BHL boss refused to comment, but Ecclestone admitted: 'It can happen, no doubt about it. There's no reason why the GP can't be at Brands. Most people I've floated the idea past have thought such a move would be magic.'

Foulston has always stressed she wants to make a deal with the BRDC and keep the grand prix at Silverstone, but if that fails she wants the race at Brands.

The remodelling of Brands Hatch is designed to maintain the circuit's unique elevation changes, and is said to place an emphasis on spectator viewing.

It will include a new pit and media complex on the drag between Surtees and Hawthorn, and a fast straight, entering a slow corner, leading back into the natural amphitheatre.

The BHL boss has already gone on record denying the redevelopments would meet any problems with planning permission.

Recently, Foulston hit out at claims that a move to Brands does not make economic sense.

'People who hold that view tend not to be financial entrepreneurs,' she said. 'We have the know-how to put together a financial proposition of this type. If anyone can source a lot of money, spend a lot of money, and make a lot of money, it is BHL.'