Stewart backs traffic improvements

Silverstone circuit is leased by Octagon from the BRDC to stage the British GP, but following traffic congestion problems for the last two years, the showpiece event is under threat for 2002.

However, earlier this week Octagon announced that £10 million would be spent on solving the circuit's traffic problems, a move which Sir Jackie believes will help secure the future of the race.

"It is tremendous to see everyone back such an exciting and much-needed stimulus to our sport," said Stewart. "The BRDC is also delighted to see such importance placed on benefiting public access and facilities. That £10.6 million worth of commitment is a clear vote of confidence in the British Grand Prix."

A crunch meeting of the world council of motorsport's governing body, the FIA, is to be held in Monaco on Friday, when among other things, the fate of next year's race will be decided.

For more from Sir Jackie Stewart, see this week's AUTPOSPORT magazine on sale from Thursday.