It is entirely possible that the company which manages several of Britain's leading (horse) racing tracks could end up running Silverstone, host of the British Formula One Grand Prix.

Northern Racing plc, which runs racecourses at Brighton, Chepstow, Hereford, Sedgefield and Uttoxeter claims, in a statement released this morning, that it is likely to be given the job of running the Northamptonshire track for the next 25-years, providing the move is approved by member of the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC).

Further details of the deal will be made to members at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the BRDC which takes place later this month (22nd).

The BRDC is already facing problems as it attempts to sell members the idea of a deal with developer, St Modwen, which is seeking to carry out a major redevelopment of the former airfield, with proposals for hotels, residential properties and even its own rail station.

A group of members opposing the plan - which would see St Modwen given a 150-year lease - have called the Extraordinary General Meeting.

It's understood that St Modwen is a sister company to Northern Racing plc, which should further inflame the BRDC 'rebels'.