British GP still threatened

Ecclestone urged the circuit's owners, the British Racing Drivers' Club, to improve the venue or risk its status as host of the British Grand Prix.

BRDC president Stewart said finance for a new pit and paddock complex had been agreed - but had not yet materialised.

"This is vital for British motorsport's future. It's responsible for 40,000 jobs," Stewart told BBC Sport.

Advertising giant Interpublic sold the race rights for the British Grand Prix to Ecclestone on Tuesday.

Stewart said: "We are waiting for Mr Ecclestone to commit monies already agreed between Formula One Management, Interpublic, and the BRDC to build a new pit and paddock complex and media centre."

Earlier on Thursday, Ecclestone said BRDC had the necessary funding to improve facilities.

But Stewart said BRDC had no chance of bringing facilities up to the standard of Bahrain or Malaysia without more help.

There will be a pit and paddock to match any, and with a fantastic hospitality area BRDC chairman Martin Brundle

"The other venues around the world that have modern day facilities such as Spain, Germany, France, and Australia have all been funded by governments," he added.

BRDC chairman Martin Brundle said work could begin almost immediately if Ecclestone signed the necessary papers.

"I'm a bit disappointed Bernie says we need to build a new pit and paddock because it's all in place and ready to go," said Brundle.

"He's the only one who is holding that back.

"It just needs his initials on a piece of paper and it can be built, so I'm somewhat surprised at what he's saying because all the rest of it has been signed off by absolutely everybody, except Bernie.

"There's been a window of opportunity for him to do it in the past few weeks, which he has chosen not to take for reasons best known to himself.

"He could at least let it get under way because there will be a pit and paddock to match any, and with a fantastic hospitality area."

Stewart, however, is optimistic that an agreement can be reached to ensure the British Grand Prix remains at Silverstone in the future.

"We are all anticipating he [Ecclestone] wants to keep the race in this country," said Stewart.

"If he does then we are very much welcoming his part in retaining the British Grand Prix for the long term."