Ecclestone: No More Hope for Donington

Bernie Ecclestone confirms today that Donington’s hopes of hosting the 2010 British Grand Prix have vanished. The tenants of Donington failed to raise the necessary funds for the circuit’s redevelopment. Donington had until last Tuesday to resolve the financial situation.

“It’s over for Donington. They missed the deadline we had already extended for them,” Ecclestone told the media in Abu Dhabi. “It’s a shame for them, to be honest with you. The credit crisis that put them in trouble because their intentions were good, for sure. It’s bad for Tom (Wheatcroft) because he’s a longstanding good friend.”

Ecclestone insisted that he is still in talks with Silverstone to reach an agreement for the 2010 race and suggested the ball was in the court of the Silverstone track owners. “We are discussing. An agreement can be reached if they wish,” he said, adding that there were no differences of opinion on the contract details … for him. “There are really none. As far as I’m concerned, no problem.”

The F1 boss also praised the Abu Dhabi officials for their work with the Yas Marina circuit, which is hosting its first race this weekend. « What they have accomplished is incredible. It was in April 2006, I saw and spoke to the crown prince, and at that time we hadn’t started discussing a race. But during dinner, we came to the idea that maybe we should have a race here, and what they have done is magical. »

I never thought it would end this way. I thought that only pieces would be made. I told them I hoped we wouldn’t be racing on a construction site. But no one will do better… even though I would be happy if someone did the same thing.