The beleagured British Grand Prix has been boosted by the news that Silverstone's owners are pumping �4m into improvements at the track.

The Northamptonshire venue has been criticised by Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone in recent years for its facilities.

Octagon, Silverstone's owner, has responded by announcing a series of radical measures.

The most obvious improvements will be a new loop added to the Woodcote section of the circuit and a tarmac run-off installed at Stowe Corner, where Michael Schumacher broke his leg in 1999.

Other safety advances include improvements to marshal posts, new gravel traps and Armco fencing around the circuit.

Spectators will also benefit with internal road systems - heavily criticised by Ecclestone last year - as well as toilet blocks and disabled facilities all getting upgrades.

Other Octagon-owned tracks - Brands Hatch, Oulton Park and Cadwell - will also benefit from a cash injection which totals �7.5m.