Button and Hamilton thrilled Silverstone remains on F1 calendar

Both McLaren F1 Team drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button are releaved that the British Grand Prix future is save and that the race will stay at the historic circuit of Silverstone. Yesterday, the BRDC secured a contract to host the British GP at Silverstone for 17 years.

Jenson Button said in an interview with 'BBC Radio 5 live': "I can't imagine an F1 season without a British Grand Prix, so this is great news. There are so many people who work in the sport who are British, we have a massive fan base out there. You only have to look at Silverstone last summer to know how many fans we have. Everyone can relax now and get ready to enjoy themselves next year at Silverstone."

Lewis Hamilton added: "Firstly, it's fantastic news that the British Grand Prix will stay on the calendar for 2010. Secondly, it's great that the race will be at Silverstone. The place has an atmosphere that money can't buy, and I have some fantastic memories of the track - winning both races in GP2 in 2006, getting an incredibly emotional and satisfying pole in '07 and winning in the wet in my championship year.

"Most importantly, those achievements have all been underlined by the reaction and support of the Silverstone crowd, which has always been fantastic. British fans are the greatest Formula 1 supporters in the world - and this must be the best Christmas present they could ever ask for.

"I can't wait to come home to the Santander British Grand Prix next year: both Jenson and I will be flying the flag for Britain and doing our best to win the race."