Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone has begun negotiations with the operators of British Grand Prix venue Silverstone to extend its deal to host the race.

Ecclestone has been an outspoken critic of the venue and is expected to insist on a number of improvements to the circuit, but hopes are high it can extend its existing deal which runs until 2009.

The BBC quotes Silverstone managing director Richard Phillips as saying: “We are already talking to Bernie about beyond 2009. There is an element of trust - so we are hoping we can really move along." source - sport business