Williams and Stewart back British GP

Ecclestone, Formula One's absolute monarch, has once again been threatening the Silverstone race of late, recently saying that "we don't have to have an F1 race in Britain."

But Williams thinks that Ecclestone may merely be trying to turn up the pressure on the circuit's bosses.

"Bernie is an enigma and it's impossible to second-guess what he's trying to do," said Williams. "But I think he's just putting pressure on the circuit to rush through its changes. Bernie is an Englishman through and through, remember that."

Meanwhile Sir Jackie Stewart, Scotland's most recent world champion, has been in discussions with secretary of state for Trade and Industry Patricia Hewitt to try and secure government backing ahead of this year's July 20 race.

Stewart has said that an announcement concerning financial support from the state could be very near.

"We have to make sure that there is a British GP in this country in 20 years. I've been impressed with what we've done so far"