..... He told BBC Radio 5 live's Sportsweek programme - the fate of the British Grand Prix will be decided at a meeting on 9 December.

That is when the F1 Commission, which regulates the sport, is due to convene to confirm the 2010 race calendar. 

"The meeting on 9 December is when it would be taken off the calendar. If there's no contract in place, there won't be a British Grand Prix."

Donington Park was set to host the British GP but was seemingly ruled out after failing to show it had the necessary £135m funding.

According to Ecclestone, there is a very slim chance the track could still stage the race "if someone comes along with the right ideas and funding".

"There is no change with the British Grand Prix," said Ecclestone. "They had a contract in place which they could have signed, and they haven't."

On the Button switch to McLaren, Ecclestone remarked

 "He obviously knows what he's doing and must be satisfied with the arrangements he's got in hand. I was a little surprised to see it happening, but there you go. I suppose he feels he is confident enough to take on Lewis. It's a bit of a task to take on, that's all.

"Lewis is the sort of guy that needs pushing, and the number one will be the guy that's the quickest. During the year it will become obvious who that is."

On the rumour that Michael Schumacher will make a returm in 2010 Brawn team "It's most unlikely," he commented. "I don't see any reason why he should and I have not heard anything at all. I would be very doubtful."