Silverstone needs government help, says Stewart

Jackie Stewart accused the British government of dragging its heels on a promise to help secure the country's Formula One Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Addressing his last annual meeting of the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) before stepping down as president, the triple Formula One champion said he had not given up hope.

The BRDC, a not-for-profit members club, owns Silverstone and is seeking to secure the long-term future of the British Grand Prix after the current deal with Bernie Ecclestone expires in 2009.

Silverstone hosted the first world championship F1 race in 1950 but the facilities at the World War Two airfield have been eclipsed by new circuits in China, Malaysia, Turkey and Bahrain.

"It is with sadness and regret that we (the board) and I have failed to obtain significant government support for Silverstone as the centre for excellence for British motorsport and the long-term home of the British Grand Prix," he said.

"But I do not think this possibility should yet be ruled out.

"We continue to struggle as a small club without the financial support that almost every other country in the world gives to their grands prix on the Formula One circuit.

"Whilst government is pouring hundreds of millions of pounds into sports across the UK through lottery funding and other sources in anticipation for the Olympics in 2012, they refuse to put significant amounts into motorsport.

"We are still waiting for the delivery of the Sports Minister's famous promise in July 2003 that the government was going "to put its money where its mouth is" for the development of Silverstone."