Race loss could cost county �40m

Moving the British Grand Prix away from Silverstone could put in jeopardy the �40m it brings into Northamptonshire, a business leader has warned.

A move from 2010 to Donington Park in Leicestershire - as part of a new 10-year deal - was announced on Friday. F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has criticised the facilities at the Silverstone track.

Paul Griffiths, of the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, said he was concerned at the impact on local firms.

"There is a potential impact on the revenues that come into the local economy to the tune of �40m," he said.

He said the chamber, local councils and the regional development agency would be looking at ways to alleviate the damage.

Mr Griffiths said Silverstone would still be a major centre of motorsport in the UK even with the loss of the Grand Prix.

Silverstone, which staged its first Grand Prix in the 1940s and has been permanent home to the race since 1987, is owned by the British Racing Drivers' Club.

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