SILVERSTONE circuit chiefs said they were disappointed that the Northamptonshire track had not been included on the calendar for the 2007 British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).

They said Silverstone was originally offered the April 21-22 date by organisers of the BTCC, which the circuit formally accepted, making the date available by re-working existing bookings in their 2007 calendar of events.

A spokesman for the circuit said: "Silverstone is currently in discussions with the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) and TOCA to try to understand the reasons for not being included on the 2007 BTCC calendar.

"Silverstone is surprised that the organisers have decided to have 40 per cent of the BTCC calendar hosted by two venues.

"The circuit firmly believes that hosting a round of the series at Silverstone would offer more variation to competitors and teams, as well as spectators."