This is the third time Ecclestone gives Simon Gillett – the Donington boss – some extra few days to put in place a decent financial plan for the upcoming Formula One grand prix in the UK. Despite several reports suggesting that the circuit in North West Leicestershire is lacking funds to secure the updating of their facilities to F1 standards, Gillett still believes he can pull it off by the end of next week, which is the new deadline arranged by Ecclestone.
“We can confirm that Donington Ventures Leisure Limited has another two weeks from today to further demonstrate our credentials for hosting the British Formula 1 Grand Prix and to provide full information regarding our financial backing and construction timescales,” said Gillett in a statement.
“We appreciate the British public's growing frustration with regard to uncertainty that has been cast over the country's largest and most successful motorsport event, but remain committed to delivering on the promises that we made at the start of this process and have the interests of the sport and its fans at heart,” added the Donington boss.
Despite granting them with an extra 2 weeks for setting up an operational circuit for F1 racing, 78-year old Ecclestone admitted there are some high chances of the British Grand Prix moving elsewhere next year. Which is probably Silverstone, although Ecclestone didn't hint it.
“Even if they get the money, I cannot see how it will all be ready in time to go. It is very disappointing because we thought it would happen, but they cannot go on missing deadlines. They could still come to us saying they have the money, but there is no way the circuit would be ready at this late stage. It looks as though we will have to start planning again,” Ecclestone was quoted as saying in an interview with The Times.
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