Ecclestone issues Donington ultimatum

[phil1993]

Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has warned the owners of Donington Park that the venue has until the end of September to prove funding is in place to host the British Grand Prix in 2010, or lose the race altogether.

Following warnings from Silverstone last week that it can only remain on standby for so long, Ecclestone has demanded a guarantee that Donington can continue with its planned necessary upgrades in time for next year's race.

"They have got until the end of September to produce a bank guarantee and their contract depends on that. If they don't, it's adios amigos," he told the Sunday Express at Valencia.

"I'm hoping Donington... do all the things they must do. And if they can't, we will come back to Silverstone."

A Donington spokesperson told AUTOSPORT last week that the circuit was "100% confident" of its ability to host next year's British GP.

"All of the plans for this will be delivered on time, will be revealed when we are ready to do so, and tickets will not go on sale to the public until after that point.

"We have already stated the need to defer the race until 2011 and have also made it clear that the original debenture scheme had to be put on hold in spring this year as a result of the global recession.

"However, new plans are currently being finalised and details will be announced as soon as we are ready to discuss them publicly."

Donington Park recently appointed Jayne McGivern's Red Grouse Properties group to oversee the redevelopment, and rejected Silverstone's offer to host the race next year so that it can take more time to get plans in place.

A Donington Park spokesperson also dismissed Silverstone's warnings that time was running out: "The comments coming from Silverstone are, of course, unsurprising given the circuit management's desire to mount a bid for an F1 return on track.

"We have no need or desire to engage in a public rivalry or dispute with Silverstone and we will not allow any comments, no matter how public or scathing, to deflect our attention from the most important jobs at hand."

[shailf1]

Better to have both of them next year..

[JoostLamers]

I just want Silverstone! (I don't think I'm the only one who thinks like this)

[swca92]

If there's one positive of this economic recession it'll scupper Donington's hopes of hosting this GP, I'll be amazed if they hold the British GP there next year.

[phil1993]

Donington is a good track, but not for F1 - its more of a bike track: Tin tops (BTCC) have trouble overtaking there!

[cformula1]

Next year should be Silverstone.
2011 should be Donnington.
I am not a big Silverstone fan, the current layout is too slow.
I reckon the new Donnington layout looks pretty good and could produce good racing, don't write it off yet.

[shailf1]

Next year should be Silverstone.
2011 should be Donnington.
I am not a big Silverstone fan, the current layout is too slow.
I reckon the new Donnington layout looks pretty good and could produce good racing, don't write it off yet.

Or maybe they should alternate the britih grand prix between silverstone and donington park.

[swca92]

No way, even the Moto GP bikes need rain to provide a good race. Donington sucks, Silverstone is by far the best.

[cformula1]

Next year should be Silverstone.
2011 should be Donnington.
I am not a big Silverstone fan, the current layout is too slow.
I reckon the new Donnington layout looks pretty good and could produce good racing, don't write it off yet.

Or maybe they should alternate the britih grand prix between silverstone and donington park.

That is a very good idea actually, that way we can definitively compare which track is better.

[phil1993]

The current progress (Photo from Friday)

[sdutt]

The current progress (Photo from Friday)

thats a funny one. looks like they got some local workers to just clear the area

[KevC]

D-day monday.

I don't think they're going to be able to make the guarantees Bernie needs.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsp ... 300268.stm

[KevC]

Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has given Donington Park another fortnight to provide financial guarantees it can host the the British Grand Prix.

Bosses of the Leicestershire circuit have yet to show they have the funding in place to redevelop the venue.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsp ... 300268.stm

[cformula1]

Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has given Donington Park another fortnight to provide financial guarantees it can host the the British Grand Prix.

Bosses of the Leicestershire circuit have yet to show they have the funding in place to redevelop the venue.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsp ... 300268.stm

I reckon that if Donington can't produce the track, then it is bye-bye British GP *sad wave*.

[Coopz]

I'm sure that Silverstone will get a contract if Donnington isn't ready this year. I am sure it will be ready, regardless of how it looks at the moment.