Ecclestone Extends Deadline for Donington

Had it been Silverstone, we can't help but wonder if Bernie Ecclestone would have had the same willingness to help. As revealed by the Formula One boss during a press conference in Singapore, Donington Park has been given an extension to their deadline. The track officials were initially given until late September to secure the funding for the 2010 British Grand Prix.

However, the 78-year old Brit admitted that the Donington track currently lacks the proper funds to host an F1 event and revealed he is not sure if they can resolve those problems in due time. As showed by recent reports in the UK, Silverstone is lurking behind the corner to return to the series as host of the British GP.

“I honestly don't know. I hope so, but I don't know. Their problem is a financial one - it is them getting the money together. Everything was done and ready, and when this (financial) crisis arrived the banks pulled the plug on them. It (the deadline) was the end of September, but I think we may extend it a bit. By two or three days. I think we have given them until October 3,” said Ecclestone, according to Autosport magazine.

In addition, Ecclestone insisted that he will push for a United States Grand Prix for the 2011 Formula One Championship. However, the series is not aiming to return to one of the historical venues in the US – Indianapolis or Watkins Glen – but in New York. Ecclestone will make sure that happens, as the hosting of a night race in Singapore is a sole proof that anything is doable in Formula One.

“We are getting there. All in different places, we will see which one comes first,” said Bernie on the future US GP, while admitting his goal is “obviously Manhattan. I will tell when it happens if I can do it or not. We were told we couldn't do a race in Singapore.”