Sir Frank Williams has lent his support to the idea of a London Grand Prix. The Williams boss backed F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone's plans despite being a member of the British Racing Drivers' Club, which owns Silverstone.
"If ever Mr Ecclestone intends to run a Grand Prix in London, this is going to be a major step up the ladder for him.
"Monaco is the most fantastic of the major sporting events on the motoring calendar. A Grand Prix of London could become the same," he said.
Williams was one of eight teams to run cars involved in a demonstration event on Tuesday on a course laid out between Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus.
Nigel Mansell, Jenson Button and Juan Pablo Montoya, who all took part, were enthusiastic about the prospect of a race in London. And Williams added: "I'm a strong supporter, otherwise we wouldn't have sent a car. I think it would work for us."
The London GP concept puts further pressure on Silverstone, which is still battling to secure its position as home of the British Grand Prix.
Ecclestone has said Silverstone has no deal to stage the race beyond 2004, and has set a deadline of September for the issue to be resolved. There has been speculation, however, that any London race could be held in addition to the country's existing event.
MMIX
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