Deadline set for Silverstone

Bernie Ecclestone has given the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) 48 hours to agree a deal for the British Grand Prix to go ahead. Team bosses and Ecclestone met in London on December 6th for further discussions and despite the deadline, Bernie believes the Silverstone race will be on the 2005 calendar.

"If it (the deal) is done before Thursday, they are on the calendar. If it's not, they're not," he said, according to Reuters. "I guarantee there will be Silverstone. Bernie's word." However, the opinion of team bosses was split; Frank Williams does not think the British GP will happen in 2005 but McLaren's Ron Dennis does.

The BRDC previously wanted a two-year deal to promote the race, with an option on a further five but Ecclestone's offer is for one year with an option on a further six. The 2005 calendar is due to be finalised on December 9th.

Ecclestone said that the French and San Marino events, which were also only provisional dates, would go ahead. This means 19 races in 2005, which teams had agreed to in return for a cut in testing. Ferrari has not agreed to the test cut and has put forward its own proposal for consideration.