Silverstone Circuits managing director Patrick Allen has been placed on leave whilst the British Racing Drivers' Club, which owns the circuit itself, continues negotiations over a possible sale.
The BRDC and Allen have been considering a bid by Jaguar Land Rover which would see the luxury car maker take control of Silverstone Circuit Ltd, the company which operates the circuit and surrounding area.
JLR had an exclusive deal in place which meant other offers wouldn't be discussed, but now that has ended without an agreement, a second bid is being considered from Ginetta owner Lawrence Tomlinson.
However Allen won't be involved in those negotiations and has been placed on leave as he has close links to Tomlinson as former commercial director of Tomlinson's LNT Group. Allen was also introduced to the BRDC by Tomlinson.
The BRDC therefore believes Allen could unfairly favour Tomlinson's offer.
"Patrick is taking a leave of absence because we are in discussion with Lawrence, alongside continuing discussions with JLR and exploring a number of other expressions of interest," commented BRDC chairman John Grant.
