Former Formula One world champion Damon Hill is “quietly confident” a deal will be done to ensure the British Grand Prix will take place next year.
Hill is president of the British Racing Drivers’ Club, owner of Northamptonshire’s Silverstone circuit which has hosted the British GP since 1987.
The British GP was due to move to Donington in Leicestershire but this fell through last month when its promoter, Donington Ventures Leisure, failed to secure the £135million funding needed to bring the track up to F1 standards. This is London
“As far as I see it there are two tracks competing, so in my mind that makes it 50-50,” Simon Gillett said.
“As Bernie said last week, if someone comes in now and invests in Donington the chance is still there. The administrators are working hard and if we had the money we would have the 17-year agreement.”
“There are half-a-dozen people interested at the moment, from different backgrounds, with different ideas and intentions. But from a location point of view and a fans’ point of view, everything about Donington makes it a viable circuit.” The Press Association
Asked if Donington was still a candidate, Ecclestone replied: “Definitely. If someone comes along with the right ideas and funding, then yes.”
Gillett claimed he still has half a dozen potential investors “from different backgrounds with different ideas and intentions”.
And he blamed the world’s financial turmoil for scuppering the original deal that saw the race awarded to Donington.
He added: “Commercially we had a much better plan and that is why Mr Ecclestone went with us in the first place.
“It was a solid plan and had great long-term growth.
“Unfortunately we caught the credit crunch at the wrong time and the banks closed the doors.”
But Gillett said: “The administrators are working hard and if we had the money we would have the 17-year agreement to hold the race.”
Gillett still believes Donington is still the superior circuit. He added: “The main thing with Donington is its topography. The Sun
| 
|