Government urged to help Silverstone

Ecclestone has often threatened to axe the British Grand Prix when the current contract expires in 2009 unless significant improvements are made to the circuit.

Silverstone owners, the British Racing Drivers' Club, approved in July plans for a major revamp, and Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe earlier this month showed his support for the event.

He ruled out, however, financial help from the government.

But Ecclestone has called for the government to back Silverstone, saying the track only needs a small portion of what it is "wasted" on the 2012 London Olympics.

"Britain is supposed to be the heart of Formula One racing and our circuit is bottom of the list," said Ecclestone, speaking at the launch of the Official 2007 Formula One Season Review DVD to be launched on 10th December.

"With a tiny percentage of what the government are wasting on the Olympics, they could support Silverstone.

"They know exactly what they have to do. They've known for at least five years. It's not for us to say where the money comes from but it's strange because most of the events we have now are supported by governments."

Ecclestone also said he was baffled as to why a Grand Prix in London did not become a reality.

"Things were sorted out very nicely in London. Mayor Ken Livingstone was very helpful and we laid a plan out of what we could do.

"It would have happened, it was just a question of where the money was going to come from. It would cost a small amount compared to what they're spending on the Olympics.

"If they look at it from a pure business point of view, all the revenue it would bring in, I just don't understand why it isn't happening."