British champions reject BRDC criticism

Brundle is concerned that criticism the BRDC and Silverstone have come under from F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone that the British GP does not set the standard and does not reflect Britain's position as world leaders in the motorsport industry, may lose Silverstone its slot on the F1 calendar. Both Hill and Mansell have argued that Brundle is wrong to suggest that they have done nothing to help Silverstone and the British GP.

"I won the British Grand Prix five times," Mansell told the Daily Express, (this figure includes his European GP victory in 1985 at Brands Hatch). "I am the winningest driver in the country, so it is a little sad for Martin to suggest that I have not done anything.

"My diary is packed and for one Silverstone event I was given six day's notice. I am a patron of a cancer society in the Isle of Man and on the day of the Silverstone meeting I was there with a lot of people raising money. I can't break that kind of appointment.

"I admire all the work Martin is doing but I can't just speak out when I want because, while he is president, I am just a club member. Silverstone is the home of British motorsport and needs all the support it can get, but they had huge crowds when I was racing and winning. More investment should have been made then."

Hill agrees but suggests that perhaps adding his support to Silverstone's case may help: "Maybe he has a point about support, but it is something we need to discuss more.

"It is a little naïve to think that if Nigel and myself stood up and talked about Silverstone it would change the situation. Silverstone is a very complicated issue and I respect Martin's situation. Like every British driver when I raced there you get an extra boost. Of course I hope it stays on the calendar, but it has to pay its way.