Promoters of the British grand prix are looking to Lewis Hamilton to help save the annual Silverstone race.
The ageing venue at Northamptonshire is a constant object of criticism by F1’s supremo Bernie Ecclestone, but owner the British Racing Drivers’ Club notes that championship leading rookie Hamilton’s enormous popularity in his home country “could be helpful” to retaining the grand prix.
“(Club) members like Lewis are only helping us,” BRDC chairman Robert Brooks, mindful that Silverstone’s current F1 contract runs out in 2009, is quoted as saying by the BBC.
He said: “The Hamilton factor is very positive and helpful in keeping the British grand prix.”
Brooks insisted, however, that the circuit’s owners are in the “advanced stages” of applying for planning permission to upgrade the track, which was the scene of the very first modern championship grand prix in 1950.
He said: “Then we will look to agree a new contract with formula one.
“We will do all we can to retain the British grand prix.”
