British GP to be held at Silverstone from 2010

[Sureboss]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7489662.stm

The British Formula One Grand Prix is to move from Silverstone to Donington from 2010, it has been announced.

The race's traditional home is owned by the British Racing Drivers' Club, who had been in talks for a new deal with Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone.

"We wanted a world class venue for F1 in Britain, something that the teams and fans could be proud of," he said.

"Donington's development plans will give us exactly that, a venue to put British motorsport back on the map."

Ecclestone said he was disappointed that the government had not intervened to help Silverstone retain the race.

"I am sorry that we could not have helped Silverstone to raise the money to carry out the circuit improvements and run F1," he said.

"I believe that the government should have supported them which would have cost probably less than .002% of the government's commitment for the Olympic Games."

Max Moseley, the president of international motorsport's governing body the FIA, said he was glad that the future of the race had been secured.

"After many years of patient but fruitless negotiation with the BRDC, we are delighted that Bernie has nevertheless been able to ensure that the British Grand Prix will keep its place on the F1 calendar," he said.

"We understand that the development programme planned for Donington will achieve the very high standards we expect from a modern F1 circuit.

"Finally, British fans will get the venue they deserve."

Donington Park last hosted F1 in 1993, when Ayrton Senna drove one of his greatest races to win what was called the European Grand Prix.

The track has a history with F1 that dates back further than Silverstone's - the first Grand Prix at the track was in 1935, and it held races there until the outbreak of the second World War, famously hosting the battle between the Silver Arrows of Mercedes and Auto Union (the fore-runner of Audi) in 1937 and '38.

But it will need a huge overhaul to come up to F1's standards.

The track will need lengthening, and while Silverstone's facilities have been consistently criticised by Ecclestone, Donington's are currently nowhere near the standard of those at the Northamptonshire track.

Many more millions will need to be spent at Donington to bring its facilities up to F1's standards than would have been needed at Silverstone.

The track is well served by transport links. It is next to East Midlands airport, and about two miles from the M1 motorway.

I think it was obvious that Bernie didn't want the GP at Silverstone. A huge overhaul for Donington though.

 

[TheCracker]

It's good news IMO. I just hope they totally avoid changing any of the traditional 'national' circuit, it's such a fantastic flowing track. They can do what the hell they like with the crappy Melbourne loop.

Perhaps they could revert back to the original pre-war layout with the original Melbourne loop, most of which still exists!

 

[DQuaN]

I'm not very clued up on this track but the Melbourne hairpin looks like a great overtaking point.

 

[ExigeEvan]

I always loved Donington from playing TOCA Touring Cars. Will it add much in terms of overtaking places though?

 

[Sureboss]

I'm not very clued up on this track but the Melbourne hairpin looks like a great overtaking point.

The layout in TheCracker's post isn't the layout of the current circuit.

http://www.donington-park.co.uk/track-days/track-days-the-track

Donny is a good track, good view from inside of circuit.

 

[GilesGuthrie]

Interesting that nobody's talking about how long the contract is for. If Donington needs the $100m in upgrades (and, based on the last time I was there, it does), then how are they going to recoup the costs? I think it'll be there for one year, and then back to Silverstone, for which some money will miraculously have been found by that time.

 

[TheCracker]

Interesting that nobody's talking about how long the contract is for. If Donington needs the $100m in upgrades (and, based on the last time I was there, it does), then how are they going to recoup the costs? I think it'll be there for one year, and then back to Silverstone, for which some money will miraculously have been found by that time.

That's a fair point actually. However, Donington does host plenty of other international motorsport events too, including the Moto GP which attracts massive crowds. A major update in the infrastructure would no doubt help keeping top-flight bike racing there for the foreseeable future as well.

They've actually only quite recently finished building a new pit complex there. Not that you actually notice much of an improvement. They're certainly not upto modern F1 standards!

 

[GilesGuthrie]

Yes, but there are fundamental problems with the place, such as the fact that the Melbourne loop is built in a spare bit of waste ground behind the paddock. It constrains the paddock area, and the paddock access road is only just behind the loop. So, where does the paddock go? I'm not talking about where the race transporters are: there's room for them in the Donington paddock, but the motorhomes/hospitality areas? Are they going to go the other side of the loop from the paddock? Infield is too steep. So if you've got straight/pits/loop/paddock, where is the spectator paddock (i.e. the junk shops) going to go? And the parking?

I can see this needing $100m to sort out. But as I say, on the basis that tracks don't recoup the hosting fees from the gate receipts, how are they going to recoup the money? You read it here first: British GP 2010 held at Silverstone.

 

[TheCracker]

If you overlay the old circuit onto the existing one (ignoring where the track deviates after the Hairpin and along Starkeys) You could extend the existing paddock area (in red) and use this for support races, whilst keeping the existing pits for national races too. The area to the side of this (in yellow) could house a new GP standard pit and paddock area with grandstands (something Donington really lacks at the moment) You could even have Sepang style double sided grandstands in the strip of land within the Melbourne loop.

Although i do agree that this is one of Bernie's little games to kick the BRDC into getting their finger out with the Silverstone redevelopment.

 

[TheCracker]

Just seen this on Autosports website

Donington bosses promise £100m revamp

Donington Park's owners have vowed to fund a five-year £100 million investment programme into the circuit as part of its new 10-year deal to host the British Grand Prix.

The FIA made a shock announcement on Friday that the British GP would be leaving Silverstone after next year's race, following the track's failure to reach agreement with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone on a new deal.

And in a statement issued by Donington Park on Friday, the circuit said funding for the massive redevelopment would be led by a private investor who is also a large shareholder in the company.

Donington Park's owners and joint CEOs, Simon Gillett and Lee Gill said: "We are naturally delighted and extremely proud to have acquired the rights to bring Formula One back to Donington Park from 2010.

"At the beginning of last year when we acquired the circuit and its substantial lands, we made clear our commitment towards realising the full potential of the Park by making the necessary investments in current and future events that will see Donington revitalised, ensuring its leading position as one of the most iconic racing circuits in the world.

"To that end, we have now entered a new and exciting chapter in the development of the Park and one that will bring significant investment and regional development while securing the future of one of the most important and significant sporting events in Britain."

Donington Ventures Leisure Limited say they have already worked closely with local and national authorities ahead of the planning requirements needed for the work on the track.

It has promised to reveal details of its plans at a future date, when negotiations with 'other important third parties' have been concluded.

There are some suggestions that Ecclestone himself could become a promoter of the event.

 

[Alex.]

Absolutely disgraceful. I bet anything Donnington offered bloody ecclestone more power or more money, as if he needs any of it. That man has too much power for his own good. I have nothing against donnington as a track but 10 YEARS! Silverstone could have secured the upgrades if it wasnt for our immigrant loving government who'd rather pay for freeloaders to stay home all day than for their country to keep it's motorsport heritage. Ecclestone just leaves Silverstone in the s**t. He fiddles with it too much, with his freakin' street circuits and races on mars that start at 3AM. This sport is run by a bunch of absolute clowns. Mosley? Ecclestone? who's next? George W Bush? Bernie will not hand this role over until he pops his locgs and everyone knows it. This sport should be run by more than one 3ft greedy idiot who is imbalanced to certain tracks. ALOT OF PEOPLE like silverstone.

[/rant]

 

[Sureboss]

No, Alex, tell us what you really think!

I have to agree with GG and TheCracker about it being a game by Bernie against the BRDC. Donington lacks stands, do they have any, in fact?

Though I do like Donington.

2110 GP to be held at Croft btw.

 

[CAMikaze]

Interesting that nobody's talking about how long the contract is for. If Donington needs the $100m in upgrades (and, based on the last time I was there, it does), then how are they going to recoup the costs? I think it'll be there for one year, and then back to Silverstone, for which some money will miraculously have been found by that time.

Maybe they might alternate between Donington and Silverstone from year to year like they're currently doing for the Japanese GP?

 

[Alex.]

I wouldn't be surprised if the secret private investor Donnington have is Bernie himself. This was personal between BRDC and Him, nothing more.

 

[MagpieRacer]

Will be interesting to see how much the layout changes in keeping with the whole thing about "overtaking" or whatever it is.

Donington shalt now be ruined for all eternity.

London GP FTW!

 

[prisonermonkeys]

If you overlay the old circuit onto the existing one (ignoring where the track deviates after the Hairpin and along Starkeys) You could extend the existing paddock area (in red) and use this for support races, whilst keeping the existing pits for national races too. The area to the side of this (in yellow) could house a new GP standard pit and paddock area with grandstands (something Donington really lacks at the moment) You could even have Sepang style double sided grandstands in the strip of land within the Melbourne loop.

Although i do agree that this is one of Bernie's little games to kick the BRDC into getting their finger out with the Silverstone redevelopment.

I truly hope so; that finky little Bus Stop-esque chicane before the hairip will really slow things down ...

 

[Muzaffar]

Will be interesting to see how much the layout changes in keeping with the whole thing about "overtaking" or whatever it is.

Donington shalt now be ruined for all eternity.

London GP FTW!

Yes, London GP FTW! 👍
I can't really see how almost all the circuits in GB looks very old and have problems getting up to standard and all, but I think Silverstone is the only place that is within F1 standards. Also, I thought Silverstone was up for for redevelopment? Damn, this is just screwed up.....

But a street circuit race would be pretty cool, maybe even race around London layout like in GT5P.

 

[prisonermonkeys]

Yes, London GP FTW! 👍
I can't really see how almost all the circuits in GB looks very old and have problems getting up to standard and all, but I think Silverstone is the only place that is within F1 standards. Also, I thought Silverstone was up for for redevelopment? Damn, this is just screwed up.....

But a street circuit race would be pretty cool, maybe even race around London layout like in GT5P.

But that's entirely too short. On a quick lap you can see your rear end dsappearing around the corner ahead, in even a standard production car. How fast do you think F1 cars would do it in?

 

[Muzaffar]

But that's entirely too short. On a quick lap you can see your rear end dsappearing around the corner ahead, in even a standard production car. How fast do you think F1 cars would do it in?

Well not entirely like in GT5P, but somewhere around that area. Maybe it should be something like this:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/solpda/ukfs_sport/hi/newsid_3735000/3735029.stm
(I know its old but it does look interesting )

 

[Touring Mars]

Interesting news, and I'm glad to see a change is on the cards 👍

As for the London GP, it will never happen - not in that location, anyway. There's no way they could seal off that area for a full race weekend - they couldn't even do it for a single day...

 

[Sureboss]

Thinking of the logistics of hosting the GP at Donington for 2010. It'll roughly be held at the this time of year. 2 years ahead.

Things to do:

Planning: This is the pain in the arse, Brands Hatch had the rights to have the GP in 2000, but that fell flat when they tried to get planning permission. If Donny owners haven't got this sorted already, it'll be next March/April before they can start re-vamping.

Track layout: The current layout is too short and would have F1 cars doing laps in probably under a minute. Track extension would be needed, planning....

Stands: There aren't many at Donny, I can't think of any on the inside of the track.

I like Donny, but it is a long way from Silverstone. 2 years, with all they've got to do?

Not going to happen.

 

[Blake]

Interesting news, and I'm glad to see a change is on the cards 👍

Indeed. As much as I like Silverstone a bit of variety in the tracks is interesting.

 

[Only_in_f1]

Im quite torn. Silverstone is my local track and is where I first went to see these machine hurtle around after each other, however I cant help but think if Donny can improve then it wouldn't be a bad track. I dont like the bit that was thrown on because it wasn't long enough to host a grand prix but if they can change it then I say go ahead.

As some team bosses have said already the move allows Britain to keep a race and that must be a good thing for the UK.

I hope this doest cripple Silverstone and the BRDC.

 

[ExigeEvan]

The GP was never a money maker, merely a "halo" race. Now whether losing the GP causes more people to see Donnington as the "premier" track in the UK is a different matter.

 

[Ardius]

Thinking of the logistics of hosting the GP at Donnington for 2010. It'll roughly be held at the this time of year. 2 years ahead.

Things to do:

Planning: This is the pain in the arse, Brands Hatch had the rights to have the GP in 2000, but that fell flat when they tried to get planning permission. If Donny owners haven't got this sorted already, it'll be next March/April before they can start re-vamping.

Track layout: The current layout is too short and would have F1 cars doing laps in probably under a minute. Track extension would be needed, planning....

Stands: There aren't many at Donny, I can't think of any on the inside of the track.

I like Donny, but it is a long way from Silverstone. 2 years, with all they've got to do?

Not going to happen.

To be fair, Donington is almost their only option....although, I have to admit, its almost like saying having an F1 race Outon Park and being able to do it up in time for 2 years.

I doubt Donington will be ready in time, and we may see no British GP in 2010 (but perhaps 2011), because Ecclestone clearly doesn't have much faith in one staying on the calendar forever.
Either that, or hes doing this to pressure the BRDC and change his mind when it comes to 2010.....just like his Magny-Cours on/off/on routine each year now, lol.

 

[Danny]

I would welcome a move to Donnington, despite Alex. The heart of the reason you don't want it to move is that it's further for you to travel, if at all!

The circuit would be great for F1, looking forward to seeing what they do with Melbourne corner...

 

[Sureboss]

But there is so much to do, Danny. 2 years isn't long. Apparently they have the planning permission done for the lengthening of the track. There are loads of facilities to upgrade. I think like most sporting stadia they have to pass 'test events' before hand, so it's probably even less than 2 years. It is possible in that time frame, but British sporting stadia don't tend to do to well with time frames.

I do like Donington, but I don't think we'll be there in 2010.

 

[Danny]

But there is so much to do, Danny. 2 years isn't long. Apparently they have the planning permission done for the lengthening of the track. There are loads of facilities to upgrade. I think like most sporting stadia they have to pass 'test events' before hand, so it's probably even less than 2 years. It is possible in that time frame, but British sporting stadia don't tend to do to well with time frames.

Depends how quickly they can get the work started, Nigel. Which in turn relies on how quickly they can make solid decisions regarding the British GP's future.

It will indeed take a lot of work, but it's do-able in the timeframe. And then once the work is done, it could well attract more interest, and the increased income will undoubtedly help the circuit with facilities. It won't take long for Donnington (if the deal goes ahead) to become one of the most well-equipped circuits on the F1 roster. Methinks Sepang is still the benchmark.

 

[Only_in_f1]

Didn't the CEO of the track say they dont actually have the money yet?

 

[Sureboss]

From what my Dad told me from what he heard (from the start of the ITV coverage, I assume), is that all the money will be given by private benefactors.