How Ironic That He's Black, Says Spanish F1 Chief

The Spanish Motor sport Federation president managed to play the race card in a suitably crass fashion yesterday, just days before he will be the guest of the McLaren team at Interlagos, by telling Publico newspaper how ironic he found it that a racist country such as Britain was relying on a black driver, Lewis Hamilton, to win the world championship.

"It is perfectly normal for a British team and British fans wanting to succeed in formula one but it is ironic that the racists in England are having to rely on a colored pilot," said Carlos Gracia .

Gracia will be a guest of McLaren at the final race in Brazil as the team attempts to quell rumors that it is interfering with Fernando Alonso's title campaign.

Silver stone yesterday unveiled the £30m redevelopment plan it hopes will secure its place on the formula one calendar and appease Bernie Ecclestone, the formula one commercial rights holder.

The current contract with Ecclestone's Formula One Management group expires after the 2009 race and he is insisting that plans for track improvements are finalized before a new contract is signed with Silver stone's owners, the British Racing Drivers' Club. Planning documents are on the South Northants Council website and have been displayed in the area so that local residents can be consulted. The project includes two hotels, a conference and exhibition center, a technology park and housing on land around the circuit.

"We are very proud to have Silver stone in our district and want to do all we can to enhance its reputation by improving the facilities," said councilor Mary Clarke. "Future development must support Silver stone as the home of the British grand prix and as a motor sport venue generally."

The circuit's configuration will remain unchanged although the all-new pit and paddock complex could be moved to the straight between Club and the Abbey chicane. The plans list two options for the new pit area, with a redeveloped complex on its current site between Wood cote and Copse corner also a possibility.

Ferrari has extended its contract with Felipe Massa until the end of 2010. The Brazilian, who won at Interlagos last year, has won five grands prix for the team.