Brit GP future still at risk

(GMM) The appointment of 1996 world champion Damon Hill could help Silverstone to secure its perpetually endangered grand prix, Bernie Ecclestone has said.

The F1 supremo reckons he can deal 'easily' with Hill, who recently replaced Sir Jackie Stewart as president of the circuit-owning 'BRDC'.

Stewart oversaw the signing of a contract to safeguard the British GP until 2009, but Ecclestone has warned that – beyond that date – the circuit's ageing facilities must be updated.

He told the BBC: ''We want to keep the British grand prix and we'll see if we can make it happen.

''We'll try and change it but it has not changed yet,'' Bernie added, referring to the historic event's uncertainty.

75-year-old Ecclestone suggested that recent news of a deal to promote the race himself had been premature.

The Briton said: ''I don't think that what's been proposed is possible.''