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11:10 GMT, Friday, 26 June 2009 12:10 UK

Donington given British GP boost

Donington Park

Donington's bid to stage next year's British Grand Prix has been boosted after final planning permission for its redevelopment programme was approved.

After giving the £100m redevelopment the green light in January, North West Leicestershire District Council then demanded certain signed assurances.

And circuit owner Simon Gillett and landowner Tom Wheatcroft have both now signed, meaning work can re-commence.

However, there is still some concern over how the scheme will be financed.

Gillet's planned debenture scheme to raise private investment was due to launch at the end of March but has failed to get off the ground.

A legal dispute between Wheatcroft and lease-holders DVLL, the council's concerns and the BRDC's insistence the race should return to Silverstone have also all added to Gillett's headaches.

606: DEBATE
Can Donington stage the British Grand Prix?

However, Gillet said: "It's great to have cleared another hurdle and to see the hard work of the entire team at the circuit paying off.

"There's no denying that we still have a lot of hard work ahead but we'll continue to remain positive and do everything that we can to deliver against the promises that we have been made.

"The construction work is obviously extremely important, but we're also trying hard to ensure that it doesn't compromise the experience that our visitors to forthcoming events have."

This weekend will see the World Superbike Championship staged at Donington, but work on new pits and a paddock complex is set to begin immediately.

Silverstone, which hosted the British Grand Prix last weekend, remains many people's tip to host the race next year, despite F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone favouring Donington.




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Related to this story:

F1 deal ends threat of breakaway (24 Jun 09 |  Formula 1 )
F1 row 'hitting Donington hopes' (21 Jun 09 |  Formula 1 )
British GP is secure - Ecclestone (20 Jun 09 |  Formula 1 )
Hamilton vows to save British GP (18 Jun 09 |  Formula 1 )
Silverstone to say goodbye to F1 (13 Jun 09 |  Formula 1 )
Donington owner rejects sceptics (11 Dec 08 |  Formula 1 )

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