British GP traffic inquiry launched

The FIA, world motorsport's governing body, is believed to have been dissatisfied with traffic problem's at the July event and feels that it's previous criticisms were not taken seriously enough after abysmal weather caused havoc at last year's race.

As a result, the 2002 British GP could be under threat and unless a satisfactory explanation is given, the race will be left off the provisional calendar due to be released in October.

"On behalf of Octagon [Silverstone's leaseholder] and the FIA we offered to hold an independent inquiry," MSA chief executive, Colin Hilton told this week's Autosport magazine. "It will look at the traffic situation this year in relation to 1999, rather than 2000 [due to bad weather]. The idea is to be able to help the FIA by giving them the real facts."

Part-time judge and chairman of the MSA's judicial committee Graham Stoker is to head the inquiry, which is expected to be ready before the provisional calendar is published. The British date is set to be included if the FIA is satisfied with both the findings of the inquiry and that further improvements will be made.