Mosley: Silverstone may keep British GP

Although Donington has a 17-year deal to host the race from 2010, the FIA head made it clear he believes the race will actually take place at Silverstone.

Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Mosley said: "The chance of there not being a British Grand Prix next year is very small, and my personal view, and it is not for me to decide, is I think it highly probable that it will be at Silverstone.

"But that remains to be seen."

A Silverstone boss said yesterday that he did not believe Donington would be ready in time to host next year's race.

Our concern is for the 2010 Grand Prix," said Robert Brooks, the chairman of the British Racing Drivers' Club. "We all know that grands prix don't take sabbaticals terribly well, and 2010 is a big concern to us.

"We don't think from where we sit that a summer grand prix in 2010 is a possibility at Donington."

Donington boss Simon Gillett insisted, however, that the race would take place as planned.