History 'could save British GP'

Mosley says the FIA has the final say on the calendar

The British Grand Prix could be saved by its status as a "traditional" event, the boss of Formula One's governing body the FIA has said.

FIA president Max Mosley says his organisation has the power to resist any attempt by F1 commercial boss Bernie Ecclestone to drop the race.

"If it was reasonable to resist, we could. You have to look at exactly what's going on," Mosley said.

Ecclestone has said he has called off talks aimed at securing the race.

However, Alex Hooton, the chief executive of Silverstone owner the British Racing Drivers' Club, told BBC Radio Five Live on Sunday that he and Ecclestone were back on talking terms.

"Technically the situation is that Bernie has not yet presented the calendar," Mosley said.

"If he presents a calendar with more than 16 races, we have to agree: if he presents a calendar which results in the elimination of any traditional event, we have to agree.

In the circumstances, it's very difficult to understand why Silverstone turned down the deal Max Mosley FIA president

"It's not all in the control of one man. The calendar is completely governed by the FIA - the only thing is we have to act reasonably.

"We can't capriciously say you can't have Brazil and you've got to have Brands Hatch. If we act reasonably we have complete control of the calendar.

"When he finally presents the calendar we'll have a look at that and if the calendar results in the elimination of a traditional event like the British or French Grand Prix we have to agree, that is the FIA and the world council."

But Mosley did hint that the reason for the breakdown in negotiations between Ecclestone and Silverstone may not be enough to force the FIA to intervene.

"I believe Bernie offered Silverstone a one-year deal with a six-year option, their option of six years," Mosley said.

"In the circumstances, it's very difficult to understand why that was turned down without knowing the details."

And he added that the FIA's desire to retain "traditional" events like Britain had to be tempered by reality.

"We think it is important because tradition is part of the sport," Mosley said.

"On the other hand, if the traditional event is either offering Bernie ridiculous terms or not able to comply with certain aspects of the rules, they have to go."