THE Government has spent an extra £8 million to ensure the long-awaited Silverstone bypass is ready for this weekend's British Grand Prix.

In previous years the event has suffered from severe congestion problems and Formula One's governing body, the FIA, had threatened to remove the race from the motorsport calendar unless there were assurances that there would be no problems with access this year.

As a result, there will be temporary use of part of the new bypass this weekend. The Government said completion of the bypass had been delayed by last year's foot and mouth outbreak and prolonged rain during last autumn.