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Brands Hatch bosses have refused to comment on speculation the British Grand Prix will return to the Kent venue.

Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone told ITV News yesterday that two circuits have contacted championship organisers about hosting the prestigious event.

It followed news that Silverstone owners are considering axing the meeting because of the "potentially ruinous risk" posed by hosting fees at the Northamptonshire circuit.

Lewis Hamilton celebrates winning the British Grand Prix in 2016

Brands Hatch has not hosted the Grand Prix since 1986, but there has been speculation online that the West Kingsdown venue is one of the tracks involved in discussions.

It was reported yesterday that Silverstone owners the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) are considering giving notice to exercise a contract-break clause at the end of 2019.

The circuit has a contract until 2026 to host the race, but a letter from BRDC chairman John Grant said it was giving serious thought to exercising the break clause.

Nigel Mansell leads race winner Nelson Piquet at the start of the European Grand Prix at Brands Hatch in 1983

Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone told ITV News: "If they want to activate a break clause, there is nothing we can do.

"Two other tracks have contacted us and we are keen to keep a British Grand Prix, there is no doubt about it, we want to have one."

A spokesman from Brands Hatch owners Motorsport Vision (MSV) refused to comment when asked by KentOnline this morning.

MSV chief executive Jonathan Palmer

The British Grand Prix is F1’s best attended race, with 139,000 people watching Lewis Hamilton’s victory there last year.

In September, Jonathan Palmer, chief executive of MSV, was reportedly planning a bid to buy Silverstone.

The BRDC voted to sell its 249-year lease to Jaguar Land Rover in April, but it was understood the deal stalled.

Mr Palmer told the Daily Telegraph at the time that he was “definitely interested in making an offer” in buying the circuit.

On Monday, it was announced the FIA World Rallycross Championship will be held at Silverstone from 2018, replacing the Lydden Hill circuit near Canterbury.