Silverstone layout may change

The layout of Silverstone's 5.14 kilometre track may be changed as part of modernising the circuit, according to British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) chief executive Alex Hooton. The BRDC finalised a deal with Bernie Ecclestone last week to secure the future of the British Grand Prix until 2009 and there are plans to upgrade Silverstone.

"It might include a change of the layout of the track," Hooton told the BBC in regard to the redevelopment. "We've got to be very careful because we don't want to lose the individuality of Silverstone as a very fast circuit."

"The one thing the BRDC would not want is to reduce Silverstone to some sort of standard European-type track," Hooton added. "We have to look at Silverstone as a complete whole and create the correct master plan for it."

Ecclestone has long been critical of Silverstone's facilities and upgrading the circuit is part of the deal agreed to keep the British GP on the calendar in the future. The BRDC's plans involve a new paddock and pit complex and better amenities for the spectators.

BRDC president Sir Jackie Stewart said the Club would work with the East Midlands Development Agency "to develop Silverstone into a Centre of Excellence for British motorsport that will be the envy of the world."

The FIA finalised the 2005 calendar on Friday and the British GP has been moved back a week to July 10th. The French GP has returned to July 3rd, which means Imola, as usual, will be the first European race of the season on April 24th.