Silverstone Circuit has lost the British Grand Prix to Donington Park. Donington impressed Bernie Ecclestone with a £100million plan to make the circuit up to F1 standard. The circuit will host the first F1GP in 2010.
The track is popular with fans, and already hosts a weekend of the British Touring Car Championship and Moto GP.
Bernie Ecclestone, FOM President commented: “Finally the uncertainty is over. A contract has been signed with Donington Park and the future of the British Grand Prix is now secure.
“We wanted a world class venue for Formula One 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.
“I am sorry that we could not have helped Silverstone to raise the money to carry out the circuit improvements and run Formula One. 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.”
Donington Park’s owners and joint CEOs, Simon Gillett and Lee Gill said: “We are naturally delighted and extremely proud to have acquired the rights to bring Formula One back to Donington Park from 2010.
“At the beginning of last year when we acquired the circuit and its substantial lands, we made clear our commitment towards realising the full potential of the Park by making the necessary investments in current and future events that will see Donington revitalised, ensuring its leading position as one of the most iconic racing circuits in the world.
“To that end, we have now entered a new and exciting chapter in the development of the Park and one that will bring significant investment and regional development while securing the future of one of the most important and significant sporting events in Britain.”
Silverstone’s Owners said in a statement: “Silverstone Circuits Limited and the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) would like to express our disappointment at the announcement released by the FIA today concerning the future of the British Grand Prix,”
“It is particularly disappointing to receive this information during the course of the British Grand Prix weekend, while we are celebrating 60 years of Silverstone and 80 years of the BRDC.”
