BTCC eyes Silverstone return

The move would boost Touring Cars' profile

The British Touring Car Championship hopes to return to its traditional slot alongside the British Grand Prix in 2004 after a seven-year absence.

Series organisers have included the move in their provisional calendar, which also sees the BTCC planning a return to Knockhill in Scotland after missing out this season.

F1 chiefs are generally reluctant to allow domestic series to support Grands Prix with International Formula 3000 and the Porsche Super Cup usually the only other racing to take place over a weekend.

But the BTCC hope to be back on the F1 bill, albeit as a non-championship race which still needs to be officially backed by Grand Prix bosses.

Series director Alan Gow said: "Traditionally, touring cars supported the British Grand Prix as a non-championship event.

"So it would be a real coup for us to resume this for 2004 and another extremely positive step forward.

"I wanted to release a provisional calendar early to help the existing teams, and all other British motorsport championships, to firm up their plans for next season.

"The fantastic event schedule I've been able to propose for next year is also another compelling proposition for potential new BTCC entrants."