Formula One news

Ecclestone doubting Donington Grand Prix

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone is becoming ever-more doubtful over seeing the British Grand Prix held at Donington Park next year. Latest photos from the Leicestershire venue show the track to be far from completed ahead of July next year, when it is due to host its second Formula One event.

Having hosted a one-off European Grand Prix in 1993, Donington hopes to be returning to the F1 calendar in the place of Silverstone next year although the BRDC-owned venue still appears to have a chance as the former pushes to complete its project on time.

Ecclestone remains disappointed with the progress rate of the construction work

"It's not good, is it?" F1 commercial rights holder Ecclestone told The Times. "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."

Having already been granted an extension to deadlines by Ecclestone, circuit leaseholders Donington Ventures Leisure Limited (DVLL) still appear to be behind schedule. "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," Ecclestone continued.

"It looks as though we will have to start planning again."


The latest progress from Donington can be seen here

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