British GP Set to Get Government Backing

Jackie Stewart revealed today that the British government are set to pledge support to the British Grand Prix in order to preserve its place on the Formula One World Championship.

Stewart, president of Silverstone owners BRDC, held a meeting with secretary of state for trade and industry Patricia Hewitt on Thursday over aiding the Grand Prix.

The British Grand Prix has been hit with a barrage of criticism but has never received financial backing from government, who have spent £27 million on bowls and £11 million on shooting. Stewart has been intent of securing government backing to help the long-term development of Silverstone and expects an announcement to be made next month.

"We go to a lot of Grands Prix and a lot of them are not very well managed," Stewart said. "I've been very impressed with what has been done in time (at Silverstone). It's gone a long way to bringing us into a strong positioning for the long-term.

"We should be looking at 20 years ahead to make sure we have a British Grand Prix in this country. We are doing our very best and we are trying to get the government to make an announcement in July and conversations are going well."

Stewart said that Hewitt and minister for sport Richard Caborn have backed the bid to help keep the British Grand Prix a part of Formula One.

"The Prime Minister decided motorsport would be headed up by the secretary of state for trade and industry," he said. "The British Grand Prix is an indigenous part of that industry. The government are very interested and this may be the last of our panel meetings before the announcement is made by Patricia. Richard Caborn has also been very supportive.

"This has got to be bigger than just holding the race with speculation every year. We have to build an event that supports an industry and it is important that this British Grand Prix goes well."

Frank Williams, whose team are one of seven based in England, also backed Silverstone's bid and urged Formula One ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone to stop criticising the Northamptonshire circuit.

Williams said: "Speaking as an Englishman, seven out of 10 Grands Prix teams are in Britain and the race has an enormous emotional content. It has been explained to dear old Bernie but if it was removed it would be a great disappointment. There are a number of circuits that are way behind Silverstone."

The British Touring Car Championship will return to the British Grand Prix bill next year and Stewart said he is also attempting to get Formula Three restored.