Ahead of this weekend's British GP, Silverstone's managing director sends out the message that the Northamptonshire track can give its glitzy new rivals a run for their money.

As Bernie Ecclestone continues to take F1 out of its European heartland seeking new ever glitzier venues in the rising economies, Silverstone has had to battle hard to retain its place on the calendar.

Previously described by Ecclestone as a "country fair" and a "neglected old house" that one "feels ashamed of", Silverstone is halfway through a radical overhaul that will take it into the 21st century.

Despite seemingly having lost the British GP to Donington, Silverstone is back on the calendar with a new look and a long-term contract. However, managing director, Richard Phillips, insists that a revised layout and the proposed new pit and paddock complex for 2011 isn't all that the circuit has to offer F1.

Comparing it to Abu Dhabi, which entered the F1 calendar at the end of 2009, he told reporters: "They build a hotel that lights up in different ways, and that's absolutely fantastic. But have we got a better circuit than they have? Yes, I think we have. Have we got better crowds, a better atmosphere? Yes. We've got all those things.

"So we've got something that they will never have," he continued. "If we can absolutely perfect our track, and everything we do build is cutting edge and spectacular, then why wouldn't people think that we are the best in the world?"

Meanwhile, BRDC president, Damon Hill, was equally adamant that the Northamptonshire track - a former RAF airfield which hosted the first round of the Formula One World Championship in 1950 - can give its new rivals a run for their money and will continue to provide great racing..

"There are some lovely new corners," he said. "The new Abbey corner and Farm is going to be really exciting. It's retained its traditional high speed format and continues to evolve. And there are some really great new places to watch from.

"You can't recreate Silverstone somewhere else," he continued. "New tracks are being built around the world, but it's a bit like a tree, it's grown out of this place, out of Europe. The great challenges for the drivers are what sells the sport. You want to race at Monza, Monaco, Silverstone, Spa or Suzuka because you have seen great drivers on those circuits and you want to know how you compare."