FOM: British GP needs promoter

The latest twist to this long-running saga is Tuesday's announcement by the British Racing Drivers Club that it was taking back control of the lease and running of the circuit from American giant, The Interpublic Group, in December. Interpublic leased the circuit to allow it to promote the British GP.

The BRDC claimed that the deal to run the grand prix in 2005 and '06 was agreed, but there is still no replacement promoter for the event since Interpublic bought its way out of a deal with FOM in April. The BRDC claims this is now Formula One Administration's responsibility, but the FOM has hit back by saying the future is not assured unless a promoter steps forward.

The FOM statement read: "We wish to correct and clarify public comments made by Mr Alexander Hooton of the British Racing Drivers Club suggesting that we have 'publicly agreed that the British Grand Prix is secure for 2005 and 2006'. This is not correct.

"Our position has been clear and consistent throughout recent discussions with the BRDC and others, namely that Formula One Administration is prepared to enter into an agreement with either the BRDC or another suitable promoter for the staging of a British round of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship in the years 2005 and 2006 on commercial terms matching those in place for rounds of the Championship held in Germany.

"This remains our position, although as yet neither the BRDC nor any other person has stepped up to accept this offer. Such an agreement would need to be in place no later than 30 September 2004."

Which gives just 12 weeks for a promoter to agree terms with FOA, or the 2005 British Grand Prix could vanish from the calendar or be switched to a different venue - such as a street race in London, perhaps...