Concern over Grand Prix traffic

Investment is vital to ensure traffic chaos is avoided when the British Grand Prix arrives in Leicestershire in 2010, a local MP says.

North West Leicestershire MP David Taylor said the move is good for the economy but insisted money must be spent to improve traffic jams.

Bosses at Donington Park raceway said consultations are already under way.

Chief executive Simon Gillett said about £100m will be spent on overall improvements at the circuit.

Donington Park has hosted the British Motorcycle Grand Prix since 1987.

"There is very small amount of modifications needed to get up top modern F1 standards"
Simon Gillett, Donington Park chief executive

It is also the site of the Download music festival every June.

Mr Taylor said: "We need significant work to ensure serious disruption to the road network and major inconvenience to local residents isn't a feature of the race weekend."

He called for investment outside the track that will benefit the 7,000 people in the village.

The Grand Prix is expected to bring at least £6m of business to the area over the race weekend in terms of hotel and other tourism spin-off, business analysts said.

Mr Gillett revealed the 10-year deal for the British Grand Prix has been under discussion with F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone for almost a year.

"Donington is historically both a bike and a car circuit and we are putting it back in its rightful place being at the top of the tree in both a two and four-wheel motor sport."

Local support

He said a lot of the track will not be touched, adding: "There is very small amount of modifications needed to get up top modern F1 standards."

He said the benefits to the local economy will be massive and it will "put a big flag on the East Midlands".

The track is two and half miles and it will be extended to about three miles.

Local authorities and Highways Agency will be consulted to see how traffic problems caused by the influx of people for the Grand Prix can be improved.

Residents in Castle Donington in Leicestershire, including pub landlady Ann Bailey of the Nag's Head, said the move will be beneficial to trade.

"Absolutely fantastic - I think it will put Castle Donington on the map."

The track last hosted a Grand Prix race in 1993 when Aryton Senna won the race.

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