Sutcliffe backs Silverstone Bid

Sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe has thrown his weight behind plans to redevelop Silverstone and warned it would be a "massive blow" were the country to lose the British Grand Prix. (We hear these stupid rumors/threats every year. England will never lose its GP.)

Sutcliffe visited the circuit to see the plans for redevelopment that are currently being considered by two councils.

Silverstone's owners insist the future of the British Grand Prix hinges on permission for the redevelopment being given – and without a lengthy delay – and Sutcliffe promised his support.

Sutcliffe said: "We have talked about this fantastic decade of sport in Britain coming up with the Olympics, possibly the Commonwealth Games and the rugby and football World Cup bids, and to lose the British Grand Prix would be a massive blow and we really don't want to do that.

"We realize that other countries will be making bids as well so it is vitally important that Silverstone has a united front.

"We have said we are prepared to help in any way we could." More at Sporting Life