Ecclestone denies staging Donington revival

Friday 27th November 2009

Bernie Ecclestone has denied reports that he's staging a �100million rescue bid to ensure Donington Park makes it onto next year's calendar.

Donington was expected to host next year's British GP after securing the rights to host the race in a 17-year deal with Ecclestone's Formula One Management company.

However, the deal fell through when Donington chief executive Simon Gillett was unable to find the money needed to stage the race, later putting his company, Donington Ventures, into administration.

Gillett's downfall prompted some rumours that Ecclestone could stage a �100million rescue bid as he is believed to have already purchased a major hotel, Donington Hall, next to the track in Leicestershire.

The F1 supremo, though, has denied the reports.

"I have not the slightest interest in buying Donington or running the British Grand Prix there," he told the Daily Express. "What is Donington Hall?"

Your Comments

monster

"Silverstone old track now tho and had a number of chances to rebuild it and improve it but failed and with Hill on board it wont get any better. British Grand prix one of worst circuits anyway and facilities are pathetic. Wasnt Donnington meant be holding because of silverstone finacial trouble and inability to revamp the track."

eggnham

"@ BUang : : what a ridiculous comment, i'd almost go as far as to say one of the most ridiculous i've ever heard on PF1 . . and there have been a few contenders for that honour !."

mrkjf

"@buang Why not get rid of Spa,Monaco,Monza while youre at it and run all the races in far off or places that the stands are empty?Theres no point in hosting American Football in Lybia is there?Course Britain needs a Grand Prix,and as for paying Mr Ecclstone(and that remark makes me cringe Mr Ecclestone)more are you kidding.And by the way Mr Ecclestones normally called the poisioned dwarf on here."

deepfridge

"Rubbish "Buang" ,F1 needs Silverstone precisely because it is most teams (and their sponsors ) home GP.Using your logic the Indian cricket team shouldn't play in India,Man U shouldn't play in Manchester etc....Just as important (maybe more so) The British GP is a 3 day fan sell out unlike all the Asian (as defined by FIFA) GP's which need sat nav to locate one..With the very obvious exceptions of Australia/ Japan and Singapore.."

All comments on this story