Button in Silverstone plea

Button is hoping Silverstone gets a reprieve

Jenson Button believes the potential loss of the British Grand Prix would be "devastating" for Formula One.

The race is facing the axe in 2005 because the British Racing Drivers' Club has failed to meet the asking price for promotional rights.

"Silverstone is a great circuit and if it's not on the calendar it would be very sad," said Button.

"I've loved F1 for many years and when I was a youngster the only race I used to watch was the British GP."

World champion Michael Schumacher agreed that the British Grand Prix held a special place on the calendar.

"It would be a shame," said the German. "The circuit is a great challenge."

Silverstone was left off the provisional 2005 calendar, with the sport's supremo Bernie Ecclestone asking for £1.5m more than the BRDC offered.

Hopes rise for British GP

However, Ecclestone has not ruled out the race being restored to the schedule, and BRDC chief Sir Jackie Stewart is hopeful that a settlement can be agreed.