The ‘development plans' to which the former
Williams star alludes include the proposed construction of a new, £30 million pit and paddock complex, to which the planning committee of the track's local councils recently gave the green light.
A statement released by
Silverstone Circuits Limited echoed Hill's sadness at the revelation, adding that
Donington would have a considerable task ahead of it if it is to be F1-ready in less than two years' time, and insisting that Silverstone will press ahead with its re-developments should its Leicestershire rival come up short and an alternative venue be needed to fill the void.
‘Following an announcement made by the
FIA this morning that FOM (
Formula One Management – Ecclestone's commercial-rights company) has signed an agreement to stage the British Grand Prix at Donington Park from 2010,
Damon Hill OBE, President of the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC), and Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, have issued the following joint statement…
‘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.
