The British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) announced today that it has reached agreement with Interpublic Group (IPG) that will give it the right to take back the lease and the running of the Silverstone circuit.

Alexander Hooton, Chief Executive of the BRDC, said, "Our agreements with IPG were completed on 30th June 2004 and enable the lease to be terminated early and enable the BRDC to regain possession of the Silverstone circuit no later than 15th December 2004. In connection with the agreements reached, the BRDC will receive £27 million in instalments. This figure broadly reflects the value of IPG's obligations through to 2007 and therefore the financial standing of the BRDC remains fundamentally unchanged.

"This payment will give the BRDC security in the medium term, which will enable the Club to carefully evaluate its future options and therefore determine its own destiny.

"The BRDC continues discussions with FOA (Formula One Administration), the British Government through EMDA (East Midlands Development Agency) and the private sector in planning the long-term future of Silverstone and the retention of the British Grand Prix in the UK. The FOA has already publicly guaranteed that the British Grand Prix is secure for 2005 and 2006. The Board of the BRDC is cautiously optimistic that the long-term future of the British Grand Prix will be secured."