Provisional date is progress for BRDC

The British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) has given the British Grand Prix's provisional place on the 2005 calendar a cautious welcome but has yet to conclude a deal with Bernie Ecclestone. It's believed that the BRDC is hoping for a two-year contract with an option on the next five years, while Ecclestone is reportedly offering a one year contract with further talks in regard to the following six years.

"The announcement by the FIA in Paris today that the 2005 British Grand Prix has been granted a provisional date on 3 July is progress," said a statement from the BRDC. "We have received a draft promoters contract from FOM, but, as yet, no deal has been concluded."

"We are in discussions with FOM and any resulting contract will need to be finalised by the end of the month so that the organisation of the 2005 British Grand Prix is not commercially compromised."

"We are pleased with progress so far and will continue negotiations that we hope will conclude with a financially viable British Grand Prix which in turn will help create a platform for sustainable development of Silverstone."

The latest the 2005 calendar will be finalized is on December 10th at a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council. As well as Silverstone, Magny Cours (France) and Imola (San Marino) have also been given only provisional dates, subject to contract conditions.