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Brands boss: we don't need F1

The Kent circuit will host an array of top motorsport events this year. Picture: PETER STILL
The Kent circuit will host an array of top motorsport events this year. Picture: PETER STILL

BRANDS HATCH chief executive Jonathan Palmer believes not having the British F1 Grand Prix has helped them put together the best calendar of events in their history.

According to Mr Palmer, staging the British Grand Prix would make the Kent circuit less suitable for other showpiece events.

He said: "Clearly the one thing we do not have is the British Grand Prix, but everyone knows that Brands Hatch is not appropriate for that.

"The scale of requirements for Formula 1 is different to those needed for everything else but, frankly, I think that is an advantage.

"If we had to have the facilities to host a Grand Prix that would mean the circuit and facilities would be far less appropriate, cosy, intimate and atmospheric for everything else.

"There are plenty of other really important international events which exist and we are very pleased to have them here."

Brands will host an array of top races in 2007, including the A1 GP World Cup of Motorsport, the World Superbike Championship, DTM and the World Touring Car Championship.

These will be supported by two meetings from both the British Touring Car and Bennetts British Superbike Championship.

Mr Palmer said MotorSportVision, which runs four circuits, had been committed to bringing international and major national events to their tracks, particularly Brands Hatch which is their flagship venue.

"It is a great track for drivers and has terrific viewing," said Mr Palmer. "We have worked very hard to entice major championships here and been successful in doing it.

"I am proud to say that the calendar we have got this year is our biggest ever of international events. This really does show the commitment to invigorating motor-sport at our circuits, particularly at Brands Hatch."

The first major event begins on March 31 with the British Touring Car Championship.

A week later the Bennetts British Superbike holds its season-opener on the Grand Prix circuit.

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