Bain quits after Ecclestone tirade

The man charged with organising the British Grand Prix at Silverstone resigned yesterday, just 24 hours after his efforts were severely criticised by Bernie Ecclestone, head of Formula One's commercial affairs.

Rob Bain, the chief executive of Octagon, the race promoters, announced the decision after a board meeting, indicating that Ecclestone's cutting remarks had led to his action. He said: "It is disheartening still to hear gratuitous outside comments about the event and I do not wish them to overshadow what the team has achieved. I'm very proud of the grand prix that we staged at the weekend."

Silverstone were in danger of losing the grand prix after traffic chaos two years ago, when the race was held on a wet Easter weekend. Ecclestone and Max Mosley, president of the FIA, put pressure on the organisers to make radical improvements to access, parking and other facilities. A new approach road, costing £10.6m, was opened for this year's race and Ecclestone contributed to the funding. A further £28m is to be spent on a new pits and paddock complex, as well as spectator areas, before next year's race.

But Ecclestone described the circuit's organisation as a "shambles", and "a country fair masquerading as a world sports event", after his driver struggled to find his way from a local airfield to the paddock. A dismayed Bain claimed the attack was "unfair". He received other complaints about inadequate signs and, before yesterday's meeting, promised his team would rectify that problem next year.

However, the general reaction has been favourable and Bain's case was supported yesterday by Jackie Stewart, the president of the British Racing Drivers' Club, guardians of the race. "I rather suspect Bernie must have got out of bed on the wrong side on Sunday morning," Stewart said. "We've done so much in so little time and all I've had are compliments. Bernie's comments are hardly helpful when the Prime Minister and other government ministers are involved in the project."

Mosley gave the circuit assurances that the British Grand Prix, "a traditional race", was safe, providing the planned improvements were carried out.

Ross Brawn, Ferrari's technical director, viewed the weekend's events in a far more complimentary light after guiding his drivers, Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello, to first and second. The result left Schumacher on the brink of a record-equalling fifth World Championship, Barrichello celebrating another podium finish and the team running away with another constructors' title.

Even at their apparent zenith, Ferrari's relentless pursuit of victory will go on. Development work is concentrating on 2003, but improvements to this year's car are also in the pipeline. A new aerodynamics package is due for the next grand prix, in France, on Sunday week, and an upgraded engine will shortly be introduced.

Brawn said: "It's unfair to single out one person because our strength is in our teamwork. Michael will tell you exactly the same thing. We have a lot of engineers and technicians who play their part in a great team effort.

"People say it has been easy for us this year, but it doesn't seem easy from where I am. This was a tough race, which worked out for us in the end. They [other constructors] have perhaps not been as strong as in other years. That has allowed us to look after our car, cut the revs and nurse it home."

Schumacher could complete his latest championship victory in record time, if the placings go his way at Magny-Cours. The German may be content to wait until his home grand prix the following week. Once that bit of business is accomplished, Ferrari will look to secure second place for Barrichello and complete their domination of the sport. "That will be a bonus," Brawn said.