Lauda Praises 'Legendary' Silverstone

Former World Champion Niki Lauda on Tuesday branded Silverstone as one of the world's best circuit - and claimed it deserves legendary status.

The Northamptonshire track has come under increasing criticism in recent years following traffic problems and looked set to be dumped off the Formula One calendar. But current Jaguar team boss Lauda, who won the British Grand Prix in 1976, 1982 and 1984 although not at Silverstone, insists circuit is still one of the best in the world.

"Silverstone is one of only a handful of circuits on the current F1 calendar that can claim to be legendary," Lauda said. "With over fifty years of history in the racing world it is where great champions have all raced and conquered.

"Silverstone has seen many changes over the years and has become one of the safest on the calendar thanks to the efforts that they have made to keep up to date with the FIA changes. Next to Monaco it is also one of the most exciting races and as a result one of my favourites."