Former Formula 1 motor racing world champion SirJackieStewart - a friend of Mr Goodwin - said he thought the former bank boss had been made a scapegoat.
Former motor racing champion SirJackieStewart welcomed the financial backing for the proposals at Silverstone, where he won the British Grand Prix in 1969 and 1971.
Former world champion SirJackieStewart told BBC Sport that he believes the F1 heritage and know-how Britain possesses means it is important the race is not lost.