Wednesday 20 May at 10:30 : May 20 (GMM) The chairman of the British Racing Drivers' Club has backed away from reports that he proposes to sell the 2009 grand prix venue Silverstone

We reported last week that Robert Brooks had made the proposal, which would have to be supported by the other members of the circuit-owning club, in a confidential letter

It was suggested the move could be a shot in the arm to the hopes of the Northamptonshire track retaining its formula one round, with F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone a possible buyer

But chairman Brooks told the local Northampton Chronicle and Echo: "Obviously, the BRDC continues to own Silverstone, and I think if we were looking to sell it, we wouldn't set about doing it by getting all the newspapers to write about it."nnHe admitted, however, that he encourages the BRDC and "the business of Silverstone" to become more distinct. "But that doesn't mean we're flogging Silverstone," insisted Brooks

Despite Ecclestone ruling out the idea, Brooks believes Silverstone is the ideal substitute should Donington not be able to host the British grand prix beginning next year

"We're ready for the 2009 grand prix and we're ready for 2010 if necessary," he said

"We have to keep investing to keep the circuit up with the best of the best and I think we're going to have a cracking grand prix. I think everyone will agree when they get to Silverstone this year, it's in the best shape it's ever been."nnThe 2009 race, theoretically the last at historic Silverstone, takes place on June 21