Ron Dennis said he was "ashamed to be English" after arriving back at Heathrow airport following the inaugural European grand prix in the Spanish port city Valencia.

Despite hosting a less than thrilling 57 lap challenge on Sunday, formula one's newest event was widely applauded for its atmosphere, layout, and the commitment of the organisers.

In total contrast, the future of the British grand prix is under a cloud, with no financial support from the government, and cynics wondering about the announced 2010 switch from Silverstone to Donington.

The McLaren boss admitted his comments about being English will be controversial in the eyes of the media.

But he said the achievements of Spain's third-largest city, which also hosted the launch of McLaren's car in 2007, shows "what you can do if you are committed as a government, local or national".

"Next year they just need to put in some more colour, the harbour needs to be full of boats, more signage and a bit more glitz, but they've got it the right way round," Dennis said.

"It requires government support, and to me it is a textbook example of what you can do if you all point in the same direction and have the commitment."

Again in contrast, he labelled the ongoing debate in Britain about the money involved in hosting the 2012 summer Olympic Games as "ridiculous".

"Unfortunately, we seem to be the world's best at turning around and being unconstructively critical," Dennis continued.

"I know stories will be written with my comments, but I don't care. I think people should speak out and say, 'You guys have got it all wrong'."

Source: GMM