Britain cannot lose GP - Stewart

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Take a simulated drive around the new Donington Park F1 track

Sir Jackie Stewart has said that Silverstone should continue to host the British Grand Prix, if Donington is not ready to stage the race in 2010.

Donington is currently undergoing a £100m revamp in order to stage the race in July next year.

"It would be very bad form if it wasn't held," Stewart told BBC Northampton.

"If Donington couldn't - and I hope they can - but if they couldn't then Silverstone, I hope, would be asked to run the British Grand Prix."

Donington is set to take over from Silverstone as the venue for the British Grand Prix in 2010.

The Leicestershire track last held an F1 race in 1993, when it held a European Grand Prix in addition to Silverstone's event.

But there has been speculation as to whether the development of the circuit will be completed in time.

I would love to be assured that there will be a British Grand Prix Sir Jackie Stewart

If it is not ready then commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone would have to decide whether or not to scrap the British Grand Prix.

Stewart, the former president of the British Racing Drivers' Club which owns Silverstone, added: "Well, I think Bernie is a Brit and a proud Brit and I don't think he really wants to see no British Grand Prix.

Stewart twice won the British Grand Prix

"I think that would be a very negative thing on him and the people around him.

"I hold nothing against Donington trying to do it but I would love to be assured that there will be a British Grand Prix.

"We have had it since 1950. It's the oldest Grand Prix in the world and it would be terrible to lose it."