Stewart: FIA made the right decision

Jackie Stewart, the president of the British Racing Drivers' Club which owns Silverstone, says the sport's governing body, the FIA, got it right to confirm the British Grand Prix on next year's Formula 1 World Championship calendar

Stewart said it took a team effort to sway today (Friday)'s World Council meeting in Monte Carlo in their favour.

"This is a good day for British motorsport," said Stewart. "The FIA have taken the right decision, recognising the great progress that has been made by Octagon and the BRDC in improving the traffic conditions in and around Silverstone.

"I would especially like to thank the Prime Minister, the Minister of Sport, Richard Caborn, and the Secretary of State for Culture, Tessa Jowell for their efforts, commitment and support for the UK maintaining an FIA World Championship Formula 1 Grand Prix at Silverstone."

Stewart also said that this should be the catalyst for making the Northamptonshire track one of the best on the F1 calendar.

"The BRDC, in co-operation with Octagon and in liaison with the Government and its agencies, have major plans to develop Silverstone as a centre of excellence for British motorsport and the industry up to the highest standards. This is our commitment. We want to see Silverstone not just improved but raised right up to the top of the international league table," he said.