By Andrew Benson

Silverstone's place on the F1 calendar is under threat

Formula One needs to safeguard historic races such as the British Grand Prix, according to Red Bull's Mark Webber.

The race's future is in doubt as talks continue about a contract beyond 2009.

And Webber told BBC Sport: "We need a British Grand Prix because of the history that surrounds it and the industry that supports it.

"It is so deep-rooted. We have already lost Imola, Suzuka and some others. We cannot afford to lose Silverstone, Monza, Spa, circuits like that."

The British Racing Drivers' Club, which owns Silverstone, is in negotiations with F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone about a new contract from 2010.

But Ecclestone has said he does not think the BRDC can afford his asking price.

The deal is contingent upon Silverstone completing an upgrade to the track, which received planning permission last month.

But Silverstone could find itself in a catch 22 situation as work will probably not start on the upgrade until a new contract is completed.

Webber, writing in his BBC Sport column, said the circuit did not deserve the criticism that is levelled at its facilities.

"It comes in for a lot of criticism from Bernie but I went up there a few weeks ago on my way back from Bahrain and I was just blown away by it. Everything was top dollar," said the Australian.

I am 100% confident we have got what it takes and we can deliver what F1 and the UK will be proud of Damon Hill

"There are always areas you can improve - the garages are tight, for example - but everything else is pretty good. Silverstone is one of the better venues, if not the best venue, at the moment.

"Having said that, I am sure Bernie is not bluffing with his threats. It is his train set and he can put the rails down as he likes.

"One day he might follow through with what he is saying. It needs to be respected that there are other countries pushing to host a race.

"We do not have to have anything - whether it is a race in Britain or Australia. Having said that, we have had a British Grand Prix for 60 years and I think Bernie would probably think it would be wrong not to have one."

Webber acknowledged the need to keep expanding F1 into new venues but said that the sport's historic tracks should be protected.

"I would like us to keep as many of those trademark venues as we can," he stated.

"We do need to go with the flow - and go where the sport needs to be to grow - but we have already lost Imola, Suzuka and some others. And we cannot afford to lose Silverstone, Monza, Spa, circuits like that."

BRDC president Damon Hill said that he could not be sure of a successful conclusion to the negotiations over the race's future.

606: DEBATE it's about time Mr E, stopped threatening Silverstone, and started to help it Davidp61

"My experience is you should never make some presumptions, so it would be prudent to consider it in a 50/50 figure.

"But we're definitely making progress. We have the planning consent for our pit and paddock complex and it's one step at a time.

"The negotiations typically will be ongoing and I expect won't come to a conclusion until the final hour, whenever that is.

"If we're going to fulfil the building requirements then ideally we have to get going on it before the end of this year, so at this moment it's situation normal.

"As to what it will cost, I can only give you a ballpark figure of �30m. That's to develop Silverstone and keep it as a premier motorsport venue.

"But I am 100% confident we have got what it takes and we can deliver what F1 and the UK will be proud of."