Silverstone bosses seeking new deal

Silverstone's current contract with Ecclestone doesn't expire until 2009, but the circuit bosses are already trying to net a new deal.

"We are already talking to Bernie about beyond 2009," Silverstone managing director Richard Phillips told PA sport. "The relationship we have with him is a lot better than the relationship we had a while ago.

"There is an element of trust so we are hoping we can really move along and provide what's required."

Ecclestone, who has in the past been very critical about the facilities of the British track, is expected to demand Silverstone chiefs to improve the circuit before the current deal comes to an end.

Phillips said he is aiming to create a state-of-the-art circuit for the spectators.

"We should try to move the whole sight on to a high-tech, sexy level where people enjoy it for the whole three days and it's a festival of motorsport," he added. "I don't think we should pass over the people.

"I want to put that bit right and put in state-of-the-art grandstands and the sort of public facilities you would expect, not just at the top of the circuit but all around the circuit."