Mansell, Hill Urged to Support British GP

Former World Champions Damon Hill and Nigel Mansell have been criticised for their anonymity in the campaign to save the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Silverstone has been attacked over its facilities and there is major concern Britain will not retain its Grand Prix status next season with Bahrain and China guaranteed races in 2004. Martin Brundle, chairman of the British Racing Drivers Club - the owners of Silverstone - fears for the event and has been disappointed by the failure of Hill and Mansell to help.

"We are the only circuit which does not have government input," Brundle told the Daily Express. "All the new facilities are showpieces for their country. We have to pay our way and the event does not make money.

"Bernie Ecclestone says we got £8 million and have pissed it against the wall, but that is just not true. We have made big improvements at Silverstone. People like Sir Jackie Stewart, Sir Frank Williams, Ron Dennis and Sir Stirling Moss have all given a lot of time. Damon and Nigel could have come and helped.

"These guys took the glory, the adulation, the tens of millions and it is time to give something back. I have been involved in this from the start and it has cost me probably £1 million in time and lost business opportunities. Silverstone is very important for British drivers and everybody should be stepping up to be counted and saying how important it is for this country to have a British Grand Prix."

Brundle's fellow ITV commentator Mark Blundell, who came through the ranks with Hill and is now a BRDC board member, also vowed to do all he can to help save the event.

"What is disappointing is that there is not more support from ex-Formula One guys who have done well out of the sport," he said. "The BRDC role is voluntary and we feel we want to put something back in. I wish others did."