Tuesday June 27th, 2000

Brands Hatch Leisure Group Limited passed yet another obstacle on its way to hosting the British Grand Prix in 2002 - Sevenoaks District Council voted twelve to six in support of the plans, one week after Kent County Council voted fifteen to three in favour.

All that is needed now is Government approval, and Brands Hatch Leisure said today they are confident of winning approval from the Department of the Environment after getting the go ahead from the two local councils.

"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. "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."

Bain said F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone had guaranteed a full grid for the event. "I'm sure the Formula One drivers will love it here," he added.

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