Thursday November 18th, 1999

The British Grand Prix for the 2000 season is not likely to be moved back to July, albeit speculations that the FIA will soon announce a change of dates. "There have been no changes to the Formula One calendar which was issued on October 6," said Francesco Longanesi, FIA's Head of External Affairs. "The British Grand Prix will take place on April 23."

Reports yesterday claimed that the race will resume its normal mid-July date, and be held on July 16th. Furthermore, Denys Rohan, chief executive of Silverstone Circuit, said that, "We have heard the rumours and we think there is some substance in them, but we are unable to confirm them until we hear from the FIA. That is their area of responsibility. I have previously said that July was our preferred date, but if we could not have it then Easter had a record of being a good weekend to stage races here at Silverstone."

Previously, several leading F1 figures, notably Jackie Stewart, who made harsh criticism at the FIA's initial decision to break off with the mid-July tradition and move the British Grand Prix to April, so it will not collide with the Wimbledon tennis tournament.

"It's highly unusual and I cannot understand why the British Grand Prix is now in April," Stewart said recently. "Wimbledon hasn't had its date changed for very many years, neither has the Cup Final, neither has the Indianapolis 500 been on anything other than Memorial Day. Why then has the British Grand Prix been moved? The middle of July is a time which is very strong.

"It may well clash with other sporting events in the United Kingdom but that is true of everything. I don't think any of the teams were consulted on it, I don't think any of the major sponsors were consulted either, which I find surprising in this commercial world we live in. We are disappointed as a new team coming in with a new identity and Jaguar would have liked to have had it in July."

* updated November 19th