Silverstone lease deal given go-ahead

Silverstone was given the green light today to remain the long-term home of the British Formula One Grand Prix.

Silverstone was given the green light today to remain the long-term home of the British Formula One Grand Prix.

The British Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) approved an agreement between Octagon Motorsports and the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC), who own the track, to take over the long-term lease.

Octagon have secured the rights to the British Formula One Grand Prix for 15 years and agreed to take over the running of Silverstone in December.

But the deal created concern that Octagon would have a dominant position in British motorsport.

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The company also owns the Brands Hatch, Snetterton, Oulton Park and Cadwell Park circuits.

"The competitions commission has conducted a thorough investigation into this acquisition and has concluded that it does not operate against the public interest," said DTI minister Brian Wilson on Thursday.

The DTI report did demand a new investigation into Octagon's markets during the next five years.