British GP boss quits

Rob Bain, the chief executive of Octagon Motorsport, the organizers of the British Grand Prix, has quit the position just a day after the event. Despite the improved traffic flow systems and new roads, that saw the congestion of previous years greatly reduced, the British GP still came under fire from Bernie Ecclestone and Bain promptly quit.

Ecclestone described the race weekend as "a country fair masquerading as an international sporting event" and denied his comments were said in anger after he couldn't land his helicopter.

Initially Bain shrugged off the criticism, saying public reaction had been positive which was more important. But on Monday he said in a release from Octagon after he quit: "I have had a tremendous few years and I am very proud of the British Grand Prix we staged this weekend."

"It is disheartening to hear gratuitous outside comments about the event and I do not wish them to overshadow what the team have achieved."

Ecclestone commented that the race weekend was disorganized and over-priced: "What I saw was a shambles," he said. "With people not knowing where they were going. There are hot-dog stands on the roads, cars and people getting in each other's way and no-one knowing where they were or how to meet anyone else. A guy taking his wife and children was having to pay around £1,000 for the day, he deserved better value than he got. At the prices they charge, it's not good enough."

Sir Jackie Stewart, president of the British Racing Driver's Club who own the Silverstone circuit, disagrees with the F1 supremo: "Ecclestone must have got out of bed on the wrong side," he commented. "We have made a massive effort and without being complacent about anything, I thought it was a day for compliments rather than criticism."