THE British Grand Prix has been dropped from the Formula One motor racing calendar for the first time in the sport's history in a row over the multi-million pound deal to promote the Silverstone race.

The British Racing Drivers' Club, which owns and runs the Northamptonshire circuit, had to submit an offer to promote the 2005 Grand Prix to meet with the approval of Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

Ecclestone reportedly wanted £8.9m from the BRDC but was thought to have been offered a figure around £3m less than that, which BRDC chief executive Alex Hooton said was based on 'sane economics'.

But the BRDC said that Ecclestone had pulled the plug the first time that Britain would not feature on the Formula One calendar since the world championship made its debut at the circuit in 1950. The dates for the 2005 series will go before the FIA's world motor sport council to be ratified on October 13.

As one of the few races not to benefit from central government help, Silverstone has been

put under increasing pressure in recent years by Ecclestone, who wants the BRDC to upgrade facilities as well as meet his huge fees to host the race.

Ecclestone has been a fierce critic of the track over recent years, attacking facilities at first but moving on to demand the BRDC pay at a similar rate to races throughout Europe.

The BRDC has long argued that, as a

non-profit organisation, it cannot afford to run at a loss but F1 promoter Ecclestone has appeared to have lost patience with the circuit's owner and its stance over the current financial situation.