Donington Still Believing in 2010 British GP

Simon Gillett doesn't seem to be at peace with the idea of Donington Park losing out on their chance to host the British Grand Prix in 2010. Although his company Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd (current leaseholders of the circuit) has gone into administration last week, Gillett still believes he can secure a deal in the eleventh hour.

Although admitting that the initial deal presented by Bernie Ecclestone earlier this year has expired a few weeks ago, Gillett revealed that the F1 boss is open to discussions in case an investor will show up in due time.

“That contract has gone. But Bernie Ecclestone has said that if someone turns up at Donington with the right ideas and the right money then he will talk to them,” said Gillett, according to British magazine Autosport.

Ecclestone is still negotiating the terms of a new deal with Silverstone, but he announced the Northamptonshire based track has until early next month to put their signature on the contract. In case that doesn't happen, Gillett insisted Donington may be the best alternative, although it won't be able to make it to the 2010 date of the British GP with all of its facilities up and ready.

“Next year is possible, but it wouldn't be all of the construction,” added Gillett, while insisting that the 2010 season is Donington's best chance of seeing Formula One daylight.

“It would have to be 2010 because Silverstone would not take it for one year and no-one, me especially, wants to see the British Grand prix lost to the UK,” concluded Gillett.

According to the British magazine Autosport, Gillett would have to find an overall 90 million pounds sterling to secure the finalization of all work on the Donington Park circuit, including the projected facilities for 2011.