Teams carry Silverstone hopes

Silverstone's owners are refusing to move on their offer for the British Grand Prix and are relying on the teams to put pressure on the holder of the commercial rights to Formula One, Bernie Ecclestone, when they meet today.

Silverstone's owners are refusing to move on their offer for the British Grand Prix and are relying on the teams to put pressure on the holder of the commercial rights to Formula One, Bernie Ecclestone, when they meet today.

The British Racing Drivers' Club, which owns the Northamptonshire circuit, held a board meeting yesterday to discuss Ecclestone's demands. The main obstacle to an agreement remains the length of contract, with the BRDC wanting a two-year deal followed by an option for a further five while Ecclestone is offering a one-year term with an option for Formula One to take up a further six.

The BRDC president, Sir Jackie Stewart, said: "In the board meeting today we agreed to explore all other avenues by talking to teams, manufacturers and sponsors. We hope there will be positive support for the British Grand Prix as a result of the Formula One team principals' meeting with Bernie Ecclestone."

Stewart said the BRDC would continue to make strenuous efforts to secure the future of the British Grand Prix.

Ecclestone is understood to be courting Cancun, in Mexico, as a possible replacement track, and he is travelling to central America next week for more talks. He has also taken the war of words to another level by issuing a libel writ against Stewart.