Hooton to step down at Silverstone.

The British Racing Drivers' Club has revealed that Alex Hooton has indicated his intention to stand down from the post of executive chairman at Silverstone Estates later this year.

The BRDC confirmed that Hooton, who held the role of chief executive of the BRDC between May 2001 and August 2005, before taking the helm of Silverstone Estates, tendered his resignation to the board yesterday, and will take his leave on 30 June. No reason was given for Hooton's decision, other than the chairman deciding that it was time to let someone else take over.

"Being at the centre of British motorsport for the past five years has been an exciting, and very challenging, time, but I thought it was time to move on in my career," Hooton said, "I hope that I have made a valuable contribution to the Club and I wish the BRDC well in the future."

BRDC chairman Stuart Rolt thanked Hooton for his contribution to both the BRDC and Silverstone during his time in office, which encompassed the battle to secure the future of the British Grand Prix and the first signs of redevelopment at Silverstone, including the construction of the Innovation Centre.

"At all times, Alex has worked enthusiastically in the best interests of the Club and for the future of Silverstone and its development on behalf of British motorsport," he said, "The board would like to wish Alex best wishes and success in his future career."

Hooton's decision to step down, comes shortly after BRDC president Sir Jackie Stewart decided not to stand for re-election, with the Club currently embroiled in a dispute over whether to lease Silverstone to property developer St Modwen and control of the grand prix to Northern Racing.