SILVERSTONE have explained their sensational decision to switch the British Grand Prix from its traditional July date to Easter Sunday (April 23) next year.

Roger Etcell, director of Silverstone Sport, explained: "For the first time in years the event will not clash with any other major sporting occasion, so we will be the focus of attention across Britain and world wide. The new date will allow motorsport fans to take in another day of the event at the Northampton-shire circuit on the Friday without having to take a day off work."

Ticket inquiries to Silverstone hotline 01327 857273.

Thruxton-based British Automobile Racing Club have completed their Championship events of the season and the roll call of honours for 1999 is:

Westfield Sportscar Championship - Class A: Jim Bickley; class B: Ian Stinton. Firestone MG Owners Club: Terry Farman. Bell Security Guarding Formula Saloon - class A: Gareth Lloyd; class B: Simon Dickinson; class C: Andre Bentley; class D: Rod Birley. BARC/CSCC Classic Saloon Car & H istoric Touring Cars - class A: Graham Dodd; class B: Chris Dennis; class C: Jim Burrows; class D: Trevor Brotherton; class E: Tony Roberts; overall winner: Jim Burrows. CSCC Group 1 Touring Car Championship - class A: Brian Stevens 65; class B: Graham Scarborough; class C: Nigel Garrett.

Brands Hatch Leisure have agreed a £120 million takeover by USA advertising giant Interpublic Group. Brands will become part of Interpublic's Octagon marketing and entertainment division. Brands Hatch are due to take over the British Grand Prix from 2002.

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.