Silverstone hosts huge World Cup crowd

LONDON, Mar 24 (Reuters) British Grand Prix venue Silverstone could host one of the biggest crowds outside Germany for England's opening World Cup game against Paraguay.

Saturday qualifying for the Formula One race at Silverstone has been brought forward by half an hour to avoid a clash with the Group B match in Frankfurt on June 10.

Organisers today said big screens would be set up at the Pits Straight, Stowe and Abbey corners so fans could stay on and watch the soccer action.

''With a crowd of up to 65,000 expected for qualifying alone, there should be a fantastic atmosphere around the circuit,'' said Richard Phillips, managing director of Silverstone Circuits, in a statement.

''That would also give us one of the largest crowds, anywhere in the world, gathered in one place to watch the England game.'' Reuters SI BD2229