Motor Racing/News round-up: Former triple world champion Jackie Stewart is "cautiously optimistic" about the British Grand Prix remaining on next year's Formula One calendar despite a threat to axe the race.

"I've got a feeling deep in my stomach that in the end it will come together," Stewart, president of the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) that owns Silverstone circuit, said yesterday.

"But it will still be expensive and not for enough years of commitment."

The sport's commercial rights holder, Bernie Ecclestone, said last week the race at Silverstone would be cancelled because the BRDC would not meet his asking price, but behind-the-scenes talks have continued since then.

"I spoke to the (UK Sports) Minister Richard Caborn today and he also is cautiously optimistic that we can come to a solution on it," added Stewart.

"But the fat lady has not sung yet. The deal has not been done and I am still very worried about it because of the implications of losing the grand prix."

If its absence is confirmed at a meeting of the sport's governing body, the FIA, in Paris next Wednesday, it would be the first time since Silverstone hosted the first Formula One grand prix in 1950 that the championship has been without a British race.

Caborn last week ruled out government cash assistance to ensure the grand prix's future, asking: "Is it right that a cash-rich, asset-rich sport should take money out of the (overall) sport budget?"

Stewart said the government was still not about to write any cheques but was looking into ways of helping the BRDC save or raise money that could be put towards securing the race.

Ecclestone was paid $93 million by advertising giant Interpublic last April to take back the rights to promote the troubled race until 2015 and his critics say he is now seeking effectively to be paid twice over.

Ecclestone, who had set a deadline of September 30th for a contract to be agreed, said last week he might reinstate Silverstone as an extra 18th race.

"The BRDC have a contract, they need to sign it," he said. "We also have to get all the teams to run in 18 races. Then we could probably get the FIA to agree with that."

The prospect of losing the grand prix has been met with anger and dismay in Britain, home to most of the 10 teams.

Stewart said that if the race went, it would be a blow for the motorsport industry as well as the sport's hopes of nurturing future champions.

"I went to the British Grand Prix in 1953 and that's where the bug bit," he said. "I was passionate thereafter about one day being a racing driver."

He claimed that failure to secure the race would also be a setback for London's bid to host the 2012 Summer Olympics, which Ecclestone has expressed support for.