Non-championship race for Britain?

Silverstone is apparently considering a non-championship F1 race if the British Grand Prix is axed. Bernie Ecclestone said this week that he was going to end talks with the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) as no headway was being made in regard a promotional deal.

The BRDC insists that it's not over yet, but should that be the case a non-championship event could be an option. "That would have attractions as we wouldn't have to pay the fees to Formula One, but there is nothing definite," chief executive Alex Hooton told BBC radio.

The BRDC is due to meet today to discuss the GP situation and to decide if negotiations can be continued. "All we can do is make the circuit available and offer a fee that is affordable to ourselves and make improvements here that can assure the long-term future of the grand prix at Silverstone," said Hooton.

Meanwhile, Mexico could return to the Formula One calendar in 2006. AFP reports that local Governor Joaquin Hendricks has finalized negotiations with Bernie Ecclestone for the country to host a Grand Prix in October in two years time. A new purpose built facility is reportedly planned in Cancun for the event. An official announcement is expected next week.

The last time F1 raced in Mexico was 1992, in Mexico City, at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriquez. The sport ceased racing in Mexico due to the circuit becoming too bumpy and the conditions too overcrowded.