Sports Minister Shows Support for British GP

Britain's Sports Minister Richard Caborn has shown his support for next week's British Grand Prix after it was announced that the government will plough £16 million into the country's motorsport industry.

"This is about bringing the sport and industry together in the UK and is a very welcome step," Caborn said today in London, where he was taken for a ride in a Formula One two-seater by Minardi driver Justin Wilson.

"Britain has a thriving motorsport industry and should be a centre of excellence for Formula One. Silverstone has been transformed. There have been improvements year on year, there is a superb new road network and new car parks among a number of other developments for fans.

"I'm really looking forward to a great race."

The Silverstone circuit has been subject to criticism over its facilities and there is concern the country could lose its Grand Prix status next season with Bahrain and China guaranteed races in 2004.

Six of Formula One's ten teams are based in England.