Planet-F1

September deadline for Donington Park

Thursday 8th January 2009

Bernie Ecclestone has, in keeping with tradition, threatened the future of the British GP by handing Donington Park a September deadline in which to see progress being made on the 2010 venue.

Last year Ecclestone announced that Silverstone had failed to extend its contract to host the British Grand Prix, with Donington Park set to take over in 2010.

However, the F1 supremo added the threat that should the Leicestershire circuit fail to meet his requirements Britain could lose its grand prix.

And the Brit has now confirmed that Donington Park's first inspection will take place in September when he visits the circuit.

"They (Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd) have a contract with us that I am sure they understand, and I would imagine they have considered the state of the market and have a fall-back position," Ecclestone told the Daily Telegraph.

"I am relying on what they told me they will deliver, and we have a September deadline, from memory, to see that all is as it should be. If it is not then we have four or five venues ready to stage a race."

But before Ecclestone's inspection the circuit has other obstacles to overcome, which include receiving planning permission from the North West Leicestershire District Council.

The Council will meet on Thursday when they will review proposals for track alterations, new pit and paddock area, hospitality suites, a club house and temporary grandstands. Benefits as well as disruptions to the local community will be considered.

Once approval has been received, Donington Park owner Simon Gillett will then need to raise the £100m needed to finance the scheme.

Gillett, though, is confident he will get the go-ahead from both the Council and investors.

"They'll see when buildings come out of the ground and cars turn up on the grid," he said last month.

"If they still want to sit at home not believing me, that's their prerogative. To be honest, I love the scepticism. It's what motivates me.

"The more the experts tell me it won't happen, the more I seem to achieve. I feed off it.

"It doesn't concern me at all. I have my goals and I know they're realistic."