Bernie might promote British GP himself

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone could promote next year's British Grand Prix himself as part of a deal with teams to keep the race on the calendar. "It's a suggestion that has been made," said Alex Hooton, chief executive of the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) that owns Silverstone circuit. "It was made within the context of the team principals' meeting but we have no direct confirmation," he told Reuters on Thursday. "We are still waiting for a formal approach." "The devil is in the detail," he added when asked about the proposal. "But it is something which has a lot of merit on the surface. We will certainly have a constructive and very energetic look at it." British Sports Minister Richard Caborn had no hesitation in hailing a deal. "I particularly welcome Bernie Ecclestone's FOM organization and all the F1 teams' decision to run the extra races that have allowed Silverstone on to the 2005 calendar and his decision to take on the promotion of the British Grand Prix next year," he said in a statement. Reuters