Silverstone's £30m gamble to woo Bernie

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The owners of the circuit believe the new face of Silverstone, transformed from a bleak Word War ll airfield into a glittering 21st century stadium, will convince Formula One ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone that their home is worthy of retaining its grand prix status beyond the current deal, which expires after next year's event.

The computer-generated image provide the first glimpse of a planned pit and paddock complex, the centrepiece of a massive development of the Northamptonshire circuit over the next 10 years.

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Silverstone: futuristic design is not the pits

Subject to planning permission, work is expected to start after this year's British Grand Prix in July, with a view to completion in time for the 2009 race.

The futuristic building includes garages, media centre and a VIP area, sited opposite impressive new grandstands.

The track will have to be reconfigured to accommodate the move from the existing facilities between the Woodcote and Copse corners to the new site at Club and Abbey.

Former world champion Damon Hill, president of the BRDC, said: "This is the vision of the future for Silverstone and one we fervently hope will be realised in order to provide a venue for all forms of motor sport to be celebrated in style, for the benefit of the competitors and spectators alike.

"The British Grand Prix alone contributes over £30m a year to the local area and it is vital that we do everything we can to maintain this income. 'It should go without saying that in order to retain the British Grand Prix we need a venue of this kind of stature and the grand prix is a key element in the whole project."

The pit and paddock complex was designed by Wembley Stadium architects HOK and is due to be followed by the construction of a test centre, business park, leisure facility, hotels and a housing development.