JANUARY 23, 2006

Stewart to retire as BRDC president

The British Racing Drivers' Club has announced that Jackie Stewart, president of the Club since 2000, will not be seeking re-election at the annual general meeting in the Spring.

"During my time as President we have fought many battles, not least almost annually the one to retain the British Grand Prix," said Stewart. "We are presently engaged in exciting new plans to position Silverstone as a modern Centre of Excellence for British motorsport and its industry."

Stewart says that the BRDC is hoping to make "a significant contribution with our new property and leisure development partners with whom we are presently in discussions" but that he will then stand down.

The club now has three months to find a suitable successor.