Hill voices fears over British GP

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Silverstone chiefs Neil England and Richard Phillips remain locked in talks with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone with regard to the race remaining at the Northamptonshire circuit. With Donington Park's bid "over" according to Ecclestone, attention has naturally reverted towards Silverstone again playing host, home of the event for the last 23 years.

Hill, president of the British Racing Drivers' Club that owns Silverstone, said: "I think negotiations are ongoing, although I'm not actually involved in them. We're keeping our fingers crossed."

After failing last week to secure the £135million bond required to revamp the east Midlands track, Ecclestone and Silverstone are back at the negotiating table.

Ecclestone, however, has wasted no time in applying the pressure by insisting there will be no cut-price deal for Silverstone.

It is understood England and Phillips are dismayed the contract on the table from Ecclestone is the one they stalled on signing last year, which allowed Donington to step in and agree a 17-year deal.

An apparent percentage increase year on year of the £12million fee demanded by Ecclestone to stage the race was the stumbling block then, and remains the case now.

Although Ecclestone has stated he is "optimistic" Silverstone will accept, it is not at any cost as far as the circuit is concerned.

Hill added: "The BRDC have to sign a contract which makes sense and can't sign up to a contract which could get them into the same dangers as Donington.

"Silverstone is not responsible to provide a grand prix, and it's not Bernie Ecclestone's job to give a discounted race to Britain."