Silverstone's financial health has taken a dramatic turnaround after the circuit's latest figures show an improvement in earnings.
A report in the Independent on Sunday newspaper says the British Grand Prix venue's latest accounts show it made £13.6m in gross profits and earnings after tax of £1.3m for the 18-month period to the end of 2006.
This is in comparison to a £2.6m loss recorded the previous year.
Silverstone's latest accounts, which cover both the '05 and '06 grands prix, show turnover hit £52.6m and the circuit's owner, the BRDC, has built up cash reserves of £12m.
And these figures could be beaten next year when the first two seasons of 'Lewis Hamilton mania', which has seen ticket sales soar, are taken into account.
The encouraging figures come as Silverstone looks to secure its position on the Formula 1 calendar beyond the end of its current contract in 2009 via a major redevelopment of the venue.
The plans, which include a new pit and paddock complex, business and educational park and hotels, recently received a major boost when local council chiefs gave their approval to the scheme.
However F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, a long-time critic of the Northamptonshire track's facilities, recently warned that even a successful redevelopment didn't guarantee the British GP would stay on the calendar if a new commercial agreement couldn't be reached.
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