FORMER Formula 1 star Jonathan Palmer has snapped up Brands Hatch as part of a four-track deal.

Palmer, who drove for Williams and Tyrell in the 1980s before becoming an entrepreneur, has also guaranteed the future of the Kent circuit.

He bought Brands Hatch--along with Cadwell Park, Oulton Park and Snetterton--from Brands Hatch Circuit Ltd with his new company Motorsport Vision.

"The future of these historic venues as motor racing circuits is now assured," said Palmer. "Central to our plans is continued ownership of all four circuits and development of motorsport business at each of them.

"Race driving, commentary and the motorsport business have dominated my life and I am thrilled to have been successful in acquiring four of the most famous motor racing circuits in Britain."

Brands Hatch has come a long way since its birth as a dirt track in the 1920s. It got a new tarmac surface in 1950, held its first Formula 1 race in 1964, took over the Formula Ford Festival in 1976 and hosted the European Grand Prix in 1983 at just 10 weeks notice.

But the last British Grand Prix at the venue was in 1986, when Nigel Mansell took the chequered flag in a Williams-Honda.

Since then Brands Hatch has lost Formula 3000 too and a bid to host the British Grand Prix in 2002 fell through.

Palmer said: "There is clearly a great deal of work ahead and the challenge of successfully developing the new business is substantial.

"But I am excited about the prospect of providing spectators with more entertaining motor racing and competitors with circuits that will become even better to race at."

Interpublic Group, the parent company of Brands Hatch Circuit Ltd, will now concentrate on its Silverstone circuit and running the British Grand Prix.