I’ve been pedling this rumour for some time now to anyone that would listen but here it is in black and white from a reliable source.
What impeccable timing… Bernie really does hate the BRDC doesn’t he!
An opportunity to encourage overtaking?
An opportunity to encourage overtaking?
Don’t know about that (the only real answer is to get rid of all those stupid aerodynamic bits and then they could overtake anywhere) but I wouldn’t mind a small wager that track hire prices start to go up at one venue and down at another…
Like it was going to Brands.
Just another trick by Bernie to put pressure on Silverstone (who already have their planning permission, etc).
Ian
Ian,
I don’t think so. The Contract is signed.
Not being cynical or anything ?
From The BBC
This is not the first time Ecclestone has taken the race away from Silverstone.
In 2000, the venue lost the contract to Brands Hatch, but the move never happened as development plans fell foul of planning permission laws.
Could happen at Donnington ?
Silverstone will stay me thinks
How about this statement from Silverstone and the BRDC then…
The 2008 FORMULA 1 SANTANDER BRITISH GRAND PRIX is a celebration of 60 years of racing at Silverstone and 80 years of the BRDC. The event is a record-breaking sell-out on all three days. We have a fantastic staff of thousands in the circuit who we are confident will make the event a huge success. Our efforts outside of the track have seen major infrastructure improvements and co-ordination with local authorities and the emergency services to ensure a world-class event with minimal disruption for the local community. A number of teams and drivers have praised Silverstone this week so, as you can imagine, it is extremely disappointing to receive the news, at this time, that FOM has signed an agreement with Donington Park.
The BRDC and Silverstone set out on a campaign to retain the British Grand Prix some time ago. One major positive is that the FIA and FOM have at last acknowledged the importance of a British Grand Prix on the F1 calendar.
The UK has some of the most passionate and well informed fans in the world and a significant industry based around motor racing. Silverstone remains in a unique position of being able to host a British Grand Prix, both today and in the future. We also firmly believe that it is the right venue to continue hosting the event beyond 2009 when our current agreement expires.
We have recently embarked on a massive process of redevelopment at the circuit which played host to the first ever World Championship British Grand Prix in 1950. Planning permission has been secured from the two District Councils responsible for Silverstone, for a new Pit and Paddock complex, as well as an impressive range of improvements to the circuit and facilities.
A tremendous amount of work has gone in to get Silverstone to the position where it is teed up to become a world leading centre for motorsport, business, leisure and technology.
The planned redevelopment will make Silverstone not only one of the best motor sports venues in the world, but also add a range of additional facilities for high-tech industry, education and initiatives for the benefit of the local community. Our aim is to continue in our endeavours to ensure that the UK remains a world leader in motorsport, whilst Silverstone maintains its position as a major regional and national employer.
Silverstone and the BRDC has unrivalled experience in organising and promoting the British Grand Prix, and we have continued to improve the quality of the event that we deliver. Running a Grand Prix is an extremely difficult and complex operation. Donington Park has an immense challenge ahead but we wish them luck. We will continue to work with our partners in the District Councils of Aylesbury Vale and South Northamptonshire, together with regional development agencies EMDA, SEEDA and NEL.
British motor racing has long been on the map, with Silverstone at its heart. We already have an active plan to fund and build the facilities FOM asked us to deliver. We are therefore surprised by today�s announcement, given that both FOM and the FIA are well aware of how advanced those plans are.
In the meantime, we have every confidence that our amazing staff will continue to deliver a great event both this year and next. We shall continue to keep dialogue open with FOM and shall continue with our plans to develop Silverstone into one of the top sporting facilities in the world. There is no doubt in our minds that if the position changes then Silverstone will still be ready to host the British Grand Prix beyond 2009.
BRDC President Damon Hill added, "The BRDC is passionate about motorsport and proud of our contribution to the sport we love and of our very own circuit, Silverstone. Naturally, The British Grand Prix is a special event for all British Grand Prix Drivers and motorsport fans. Above all, the British Grand Prix�s future is very important to all of us. Anything which indicates a secure future for the British Grand Prix must be welcomed.
"Nevertheless, the timing of this announcement is disappointing and a blow to the excellent and hard working staff of Silverstone, and to the local and national government authorities who have supported us in our development plans to deliver the demanded improvements from FOM. It is my opinion that it is not through any lack of effort on behalf of the BRDC and Silverstone that we have been denied the opportunity to see those plans though to the concluding of a contract for the Formula One Grand Prix beyond 2009.
“I am looking forward to a great GP this weekend and await developments regarding the future.”
Still not convinced…
Having read in the paper that Bernie’s ‘Circuit Architect’ has already been busy sketching changes to the circuit layout I’m afraid that the net result could be bad for Donington
Ben,
I fully agree. The track will be lengthened and to pay for it all it will be split into discreetly separate parts for hire, just like Silverstone. It will have debris fencing everywhere… Donington is about to be ruined and sacrificed to the F1 gods…
Donington is about to be ruined and sacrificed to the F1 gods…
Sadly, it certainly looks that way
Unless it’s all a cunning plan whereby you know who (& his whipping boy sidekick) snap up Silverstone on the cheap in 2 years time, when Donington & surrounding infrastructure can’t meet his deadline.
Note to self : Books lots of trackdays and take lots of photos at Donington before they fxxx it up
Bernie seemed to suggest there is still chance if Donny and Silvers come to an agreement…
But from an associate who is involved with Donny…
Not a chance for 2010 - At least that’s what we’ve told em having recently been appointed to do the cost consultancy / commercial management. They’re months away from being ready to submit for planning, which in itself is likely to take 9 months.
I’m not working on the scheme personally, but I have seen some intitial plans which show the new track layout diving infield at Goddards & then forming a wide 180degree turn back to the current start / finish straight. The current pits stay as a secondary facility & there is a load of new grandstands proposed from Coppice down the the Foggy Esses. From what I’ve seen the balance of the track layout is unaltered.
Is Bernie the mystery backer at Donington??
Dony is better for spectators…but of course they do not matter according to Bernie who only sees TV and advertising rights �������������������0000000
Better get as many laps of the old circuit while we can.
Bernie seemed to suggest there is still chance if Donny and Silvers come to an agreement…
But from an associate who is involved with Donny…
Not a chance for 2010 - At least that’s what we’ve told em having recently been appointed to do the cost consultancy / commercial management. They’re months away from being ready to submit for planning, which in itself is likely to take 9 months.
I’m not working on the scheme personally, but I have seen some intitial plans which show the new track layout diving infield at Goddards & then forming a wide 180degree turn back to the current start / finish straight. The current pits stay as a secondary facility & there is a load of new grandstands proposed from Coppice down the the Foggy Esses. From what I’ve seen the balance of the track layout is unaltered.
And the funding isn’t even sorted…
I hear what you are all saying but personally and only living twenty minutes away I have to disagree with all this doom and gloom. I believe the track can be made bigger and better as long as they leave what in essence is the heart & soul of what is an excellent track. I mean come on Melbourne sucks but the National is still well available is it not? It really could do with the work and why should Silverstone be the only F1 track, it�s not in some other countries on the calendar! Bring it to Donnington I say!
The fact that Bernie and Max are a right pair of botties is by the by…
What he said!!!
ConMcL posted this and I think it looks bloody excellet:
Donnington Park
Also isn’t the new part of the circuit…NOT FLAT as in coming directly over from Craner Curves??? Bring it on, also near as damn it… The National lives on
How reliable is this info anyway?
ConMcL posted this and I think it looks bloody excellet:
Donnington ParkAlso isn’t the new part of the circuit…NOT FLAT as in coming directly over from Craner Curves??? Bring it on, also near as damn it… The National lives on
How reliable is this info anyway?
Fron Donningtons Website - it shows you all the plans for the grandstands etc.
Check out the big tarmac area by coppice for all you showboaters to go play with