Former Formula One world champion Sir Jackie Stewart has played down claims that Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone has broken off talks to save the British Grand Prix.
Ecclestone claimed that talks with Stewart's British Racing Drivers' Club who own Silverstone have broken down, and said: "We have to admit defeat and end the discussions. It looks certain there will not be a British GP in 2005."
The Silverstone race has only been included on the 2005 calendar subject to Ecclestone's conditions being agreed, however, the BRDC claim that these conditions are impossible for them to meet.
However, BRDC president Stewart insists there is still hope. "The issue is certainly still under discussion, the reasons are purely financial and the conditions Bernie Ecclestone is offering are conditions that economically are impossible," he said.
"It is more and more expensive to put on races. No independent promoters can afford it other than governments. It is unaffordable and something which would bankrupt us."
"What we want is a two-year contract to develop Silverstone into a more modern facility but Bernie has moved away from a guarantee for this given to Sports Minister Richard Caborn."
