No F1 for London

Top drivers including world champion Michael Schumacher have expressed interest in a London Grand Prix. But F1 team boss Eddie Jordan has also questioned the practicalities.

Jordan said: "Contemplating a Grand Prix with security and safety for a three to fourday event is a daunting prospect. It is going to be very costly and it is going to need a lot of organisation."

Stewart, who won his three titles between 1969 and 1973, has an interest in protecting Silverstone as he is president of the British Racing Drivers Club which owns it. But he is well respected in Government circles.

He said: "When you get down to it, the Government wants to have a motor sports industry retained in this country. They have stated they would like to have it at Silverstone where there would be a centre of excellence and the home of the Grand Prix.

"You could have a Grand Prix in London but it would not have an industrial area. This is an industry that employs 40,000 to 50,000 people and has an economy of £5billion per year. It would be a flash-in-the-pan in London. It doesn't need it. You have all sorts of big things happening in London."

F1 experts revealed today that the cost alone of building pits - possibly in Hyde Park - - could be £17million. Stewart also outlined the huge problems London would face.

He said: "You have got to build it up and break it down again. It takes weeks and months to achieve that. The Australian government gives £30million and the Grand Prix in Melbourne still loses money. We could not do it for the same price in London. It would cost us twice as much."

Jordan said: "A London Grand Prix must be in conjunction with the home at Silverstone. I don't think Silverstone should be under threat as a result of it."