Silverstone names link-road contractor

Fitzpatrick has been appointed to re-develop the Dadford Road which links the A43 to the circuit's main entrance. The work is part of the £10.6 million masterplan which Octagon promised to finish in time for this year's British GP to convince motorsport's governing body, the FIA, not to drop the race from the Formula 1 calendar.

Preparatory work has already started on the site, with the road expected to be well underway by Easter. New car parking space for around 8,000 vehicles has also begun on either side of the main entrance to Silverstone.

Octagon chief executive Rob Bain said: "Appointing the contractors to complete the road works and new car parks in advance of the 2002 British GP is another important step in the development of improved access and facilities at Silverstone. We are pleased that the work on access to Silverstone is progressing within the timeframe that is needed to ensure all necessary works are completed in advance of the British GP in July."

Work is also continuing on the A43 to make the road all dual-carriageway between the M40 and M1. Even if the road is not open to the public by July, it should be ready to carry traffic to the GP to ease the congestion that has brought so much criticism to Silverstone.