New threat for the Donington Park Grand Prix

The chances of a British Grand Prix appearing on the 2010 calendar have significantly weakened. On Thursday, the organizers of the 2010 race incurred the wrath of Donington Park’s owners.

This circuit has obtained permission from the FOM and Bernie Ecclestone to host the British Grand Prix starting in 2010. Today’s news is not very reassuring as the owners have launched a lawsuit against the event organizers. Wheatcroft & Son Ltd, owner of Donington Park, is demanding the tidy sum of 2.47 million British Pounds, which is more than 2.7 million Euros, for unpaid rent. Indeed, the debts are said to have accumulated over several months.

The race at the Donington Park circuit is set to replace Silverstone, which has hosted the event for ten years, after being the host of the European Grand Prix starting from 1993.

« Despite receiving numerous aids in recent months, they have consistently failed to meet their financial obligations under the lease, » said Kevin Wheatcroft, son of Tom.

Although Donington Ventures has not made any official statements, Wheatcroft gives an update: « We have had the idea of legal action for a long time, but to date, we had other choices to initiate proceedings to recover the outstanding unpaid rent in accordance with the lease. »

Speaking to journalists, Formula 1’s chief executive Bernie Ecclestone insists that if Donington fails, the sport will definitely not return to Silverstone. He also ruled out the possibility of becoming the promoter of Donington.

« I’m too busy, » he objected. « I had discussions with the CEO Simon Gillett and we talked about this money issue. »

« I’m trying to help him sort things out. What he really needs is an investor, it’s the best hope of saving the race. »

As for the Silverstone circuit, it could benefit from the tense situation regarding Donington Park.

The 1996 world champion, Damon Hill, head of the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC), will promote his last race in June due to the signing of the Donington contract for 2010 and beyond.

But despite Ecclestone’s firm stance, Hill insists that the BRDC is trying to keep F1 at Silverstone.

« There has always been a line of communication between us and Bernie Ecclestone, » he stated to BBC Radio Five Live.

« We are very eager to keep Formula 1 at Silverstone because it has a long history. We have always tried to keep the door open, » added Hill.