FIA satisfied with Silverstone roads

Octagon was forced to risk losing the lump sum of money in case the new access roads that needed to be constructed around Silverstone failed to be completed in time for this year's race. But the FIA has said that it is satisfied with the work that has been completed, after placing the future of the event in doubt due to the traffic chaos of previous years.

"After the personal intervention of British Prime Minster Tony Blair, and thanks to the efforts of Sports Minister Richard Caborn and Transport Minister John Spellar, I am delighted to confirm that the new access road to Silverstone has been successfully completed," said FIA president Max Mosley.

"This is a win for British motorsport fans and the FIA is grateful to both national and local government in the UK who have helped Silverstone to achieve this significant improvement."

Octagon's Rob Bain said: "We are delighted to have been given back the bond. We had every faith and worked closely with our contractors to ensure the work gathered pace ahead of the British Grand Prix. We are confident that the £10.6million investment programme on the Dadford Road and to the main entrances to the circuit will result in a significantly improved road access at this year's event."