'We must act to save GP'.

SIR Jackie Stewart believes the government will only have itself to blame if Britain loses its grand prix.

The future of the race is in serious jeopardy following a breakdown in the relationship between Donington Park owner Tom Wheatcroft and the East Midlands venue's leaseholder, Simon Gillett.

With Gillett failing to pay pounds 2.47 million in back rent, Wheatcroft has started legal proceedings against the CEO of Donington Ventures Leisure

Ltd to reclaim the money, and is also demanding forfeiture of the lease.

It clearly indicates Gillett is in financial trouble and there is now a real possibility there will be no race in Britain from 2010 when Donington is due to begin its ten-year deal.

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has already slammed the government as "a disgrace" for not stepping in to help, and for once he and Stewart are in agreement.

Speaking in Bahrain before tomorrow's grand prix, Stewart said: "It's not just locally, regionally, nationally that there would be an economic loss, it's UK plc that's at risk.

"We've close to 50,000 people employed in an industry that, if the British Grand Prix left, I guarantee you - not immediately - there would be a slide in technology going to other places. That's wrong.

"Now I am a big supporter of wanting to see the Olympics in the UK, but for a small percentage of the money being spent, Silverstone could be whipped into shape for 2010 and thereafter." Ecclestone has already made clear, though, he has no intention of returning to Silverstone and that the race will leave Britain if Donington does not pull through.

However, Damon Hill, president of the British Racing Drivers' Club who own Silverstone, said discussions have been held with Ecclestone over the possibility of keeping the race at the circuit..

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Sir Jackie Stewart.