Brands Hatch a step closer to F1

Brands Hatch was a regular F1 venue in the 1970s

Brands Hatch motor racing circuit is a step closer to hosting the 2002 British Grand Prix after being given the go-ahead by two local councils.

Government approval is all that is now needed for competitive Formula One racing to return to the Kent circuit for the first time since 1986.

Brands Hatch Leisure Group Limited is confident of winning the backing of the Department of the Environment after redevelopment plans were passed by Kent county council and Sevenoaks district council.

Brands Hatch, which has not hosted the British Grand Prix since 1986, bought the rights to the event from Silverstone in May and plans to spend £30m bringing the circuit up to International Automobile Federation (FIA) standards.

I'm sure the Formula One drivers will love it here

Brands Hatch chief executive Rob Bain

"I'm sure the British Grand Prix will be at Brands Hatch in 2002 - the support has been overwhelming," Brands Hatch chief executive Rob Bain said on Tuesday.

"We plan to start work in August and hopefully the work will be completed within a year.

"Some woodland will have to be cut down to accommodate the plans, but for every tree that is chopped down we will plant five more."

Mr Bain said FIA chief Bernie Ecclstone had guaranteed a full grid for the event.

"I'm sure the Formula One drivers will love it here."

The government is expected to deliver its verdict in the next three weeks.