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D-Day for British Grand Prix
27 October 2009
The deadline for Donington Park to raise the £135million it requires to hold the 2010 British Grand Prix has passed, raising speculation the event could move to Silverstone.
Donington needs the money to improve its facilities to F1 standards. It withdrew a bond issue last week, and had until yesterday (Monday) to raise the money.
The deadline passed without Donington or F1 rights holder Bernie Ecclestone passing comment, raising suggestions that an alternative deal with Silverstone was being brokered.
Meanwhile, Donington removed the option of buying F1 tickets from its website.
Ecclestone has talked in the past about Silverstone holding the race in 2010, while Donington tries to raise the necessary finance. However, Silverstone bosses have said they will only sign a long-term deal to run the race.
Reports suggest that Donington Park's failure to raise the money could have knock-on financial implications, with British newspapers suggesting circuit bosses could be faced with paying Ecclestone a £15million cancellation fee.
George Chapman
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