Packed stands were a backdrop on all days

Race day was a 100,000 sell-out while195,00 fans flocked to Silverstone over the three days, 85,000 up on 2003.

"I'm confident the Grand Prix will be here in 2005 and preparations have already started," said Andrew Waller, the track's managing director.

"The overall package this year provided a fantastic grand prix experience."

F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has set Silverstone a deadline of the end of September to secure its position as the home of the British Grand Prix.

Ecclestone insists the track's owners, the British Racing Drivers' Club, must find a promoter for the race if it is to keep the race through to 2006.

But Waller is convinced the success of this year's event will ensure Silverstone's future as the home of the race.

"We proved the circuit can stand proud alongside other venues in Europe," he added.

"The traffic management programme, which has been in place for the last two or three years, ensured that there were minimal problems gaining access to and from the circuit and the traffic issues of the past have been consigned to history."