Coulthard upbeat about British GP's future

David Coulthard believes only "commercial reasons" can see the British Grand Prix struck from the Formula One calendar after 2009.

The prestigious Silverstone race's future has been the subject of much speculation, not least due to criticism from the sport's ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone.

The British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC), owners of the Silverstone circuit, are hoping a £25 million masterplan will be approved at an EGM at the end of the month and help to safeguard the race's future.

And Coulthard, who is a member of the BRDC and the last home winner of the British Grand Prix in 2000, said: "I personally don't see anything wrong with the Silverstone circuit and facilities.

"How changing the press room, providing you with leather-clad seats and better tea and coffee-making facilities, makes for a better grand prix is beyond me.

"We race in Brazil, Canada and lots of places that are real dumps in comparison to Silverstone. Yet they're not in fear of being dropped from the calendar are they? Let's just hope the British Grand Prix continues. If it doesn't then it will be for commercial reasons."

The veteran Scot, who races for Red Bull, added of the race which has been on the calendar since the first world championship in 1950: "Of course, I'd like to not see a calendar without the British Grand Prix on it, but I can imagine it.

"In this business, anything is possible, especially with all the pressures for people to buy into the Formula One franchise.

"But Bernie is running a business, and what part does emotion play in business?"

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