The main road linking Oxfordshire with Northampton and points east — the dual-carriageway A43 — will be closed to through traffic tomorrow and on the two days following to give priority to motor racing fans travelling to the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

‘Through traffic’, of course, means you and me should we wish to exercise our right to travel on this public highway on the day that Jenson Button (right) and gang take to the track. I fell victim to this annual impertinence a couple of years ago when I was sent miles out of my way on a drive to Peterborough.

My inconvenience was nothing compared with that soon to be inflicted on Londoners, and those wishing to visit our nation’s capital city, through the many lane closures associated with the Olympics.

Sport — don’t ya just hate it!

Gas-guzzling motor sport I find a particular irritation and marvel at the way it is eagerly embraced by the BBC. Radio trailers this week have been offering us the grim prospect of a “weekend of Grand Prix action”.

Normally so right-on in its attitudes, the corporation shows a surprising eagerness to overlook its green scruples where motor racing is concerned (and, indeed, over Top Gear).

And then there is its very strange tolerance for the primitive and disgraceful activity that is boxing. I even caught a sports slot plugging the women’s version recently.

Questions for Chris Patten?