Brands rejection could 'put F1 at risk'.

The government's prevarication over whether to grant Brands Hatch Leisure [BHL] the go-ahead to modify its circuit layout could jeopardise the future of grands prix in Britain, according to circuit boss Rob Bain.

Speaking in an interview published on Saturday in Britain's Daily Telegraph, Nicola Foulston's successor suggested that, should the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions [DETR] delay or throw out the planning application submitted by Brands to revise its layout and renew its facilities, Formula One could be lost to the country because no-one else could afford to take up the contract.

Bain made his claims in the light of rumours that the annual event may be moved back to Silverstone or, failing an agreement between the rival circuits, be moved to a revised Donington Park when its contract begins in 2002.

''We could go through a judicial appeal, but it wouldn't make sense, given that our deadline is 2002,'' Bain said in reply to questions regarding BHL's possible reaction to rejection by the DETR.

''Let's be clear, there is only one contract, there is only one way of guaranteeing F1 in 2002 - and that's by not calling [the application] in for judgement. If it is called in, nobody else has a contract, or is willing to pay the going rate for a grand prix in Europe.

''All we need is for the secretary of state to give his seal of approval. If he says 'yes', then it will go ahead. If he says 'no, I want to call it in for judgement', all it will do is add to the delay. It won't stop us.''

The principal objections to the plans to rebuild Brands come from environmental groups concerned that the new pits, paddock and media facility destined to run alongside the existing Pilgrims Drop will necessitate the loss of ancient woodland.

The plans had already been approved by both Kent County and Sevenoaks District councils, before being referred to John Prescott MP at the DETR.

[Source: Andrew English, Daily Telegraph]