Donington Park secures British GP deal
by Niamh O'Mahony, 04 July 2008
The British Grand Prix has been secured for the foreseeable future, but Donington Park, and not Silverstone, will host the event from 2010.
The shock announcement was made on Friday afternoon at Silverstone where Formula 1's commercial rights' owner Bernie Ecclestone expressed his disappointment that a deal was not worked out with the track's owners.
"Finally the uncertainty is over. A contract has been signed with Donington Park and the future of the British Grand Prix is now secure," said the Briton.
"We wanted a world class venue for Formula 1 in Britain, something that the teams and British F1 fans could be proud of. The major development plans for Donington will give us exactly that. A venue that will put British motor sport back on the map."
He concluded: "I am sorry that we could not have helped Silverstone to raise the money to carry out the circuit improvements and run Formula 1.
"I believe that the government should have supported them which would have cost probably less than .002% of the government's commitment for the Olympic Games."
His criticism of British authorities was backed by FIA President Max Mosley.
"After many years of patient but fruitless negotiation with the BRDC, we are delighted that Bernie has nevertheless been able to ensure that the British Grand Prix will keep its place on the Formula 1 World Championship calendar," he said.
"We understand that the development programme planned for Donington will achieve the very high standards we and FOM [Formula One Management] expect from a modern F1 circuit. Finally, British Formula 1 fans will get the Grand Prix venue they deserve."