British GP Axe Possible but Unlikely, Says Watson

Suggestions that next year's British Formula One Grand Prix could be axed are not mere idle threats, according to former race winner John Watson.

But the Briton, who won at Silverstone with McLaren in 1981, said it was unlikely that the International Automobile Federation (FIA) would take such severe action when they met in Monaco next week.

"Talk of scrapping next year's event is certainly no idle threat," he told Friday's Sun newspaper.

"It's entirely possible it could be withdrawn although I regard it more as a blow across the bows for the organisers to ensure they get their act together."

The July 7 race at Silverstone is currently a provisional fixture on the calendar pending an enquiry into traffic problems at the central English circuit which hosted the first ever Formula One race in 1950.

The FIA's world motorsport council meets in Monaco next Friday and the world body has confirmed that Silverstone will be on the agenda.

Following that, Sir Jackie Stewart has expressed dismay at potential threats to drop the Grand Prix from the calendar in 2002.

Stewart, president of the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC), insisted that he cannot believe that the British Grand Prix will be left off the calendar despite problems in the past.

"I simply cannot believe that FIA is seriously considering dropping us from the calendar," Stewart told the Daily Mail. "Obviously it is a matter of great concern that this issue should have been brought into the public arena just before the world council is due to meet.

"I would hope it has the wisdom and foresight not to undermine the future of the British Grand Prix at a time when there is a huge commitment to ending, once and for all, the problems that have existed in the past.

"I can see no reason why they (FIA) should be thinking about making the British Grand Prix a non-championship race when we are putting up at least £60 million to make it a state-of-the-art circuit.

"We are doing everything possible to make the improvements necessary as swiftly as possible - even to the extent of contributing £10.6million towards improving the road leading to Silverstone so that it will be in operation by next year's race.

"That will have a major effect on easing the traffic flow and congestion but I simply cannot believe that FIA could seriously consider dropping it from the calendar on traffic grounds - especially when there are other venues like Brazil, Belgium and Italy that have problems equally as bad, if not worse."