Legal Case Casts Shadow Over Donington Future

Doubts continue to overshadow the future of the British F1 Grand Prix after the track owners of race venue Donington Park issued multi-million pound legal proceedings against Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd the company leasing the track.

Track owners Wheatcroft & Son Limited are seeking £2.47m in rent arrears from DVLL as well as forfeiture of the lease.

DVLL, headed by chief executive officer Simon Gillett, secured the 150-year lease in 2007.

Last year the circuit agreed a 10-year contract with Formula One Management to host the British Grand Prix, replacing existing host Silverstone from 2010.

The proceedings against DVLL were started at Derby County Court by lawyers at Browne Jacobson LLP, acting on behalf of the Wheatcrofts, Tom and Kevin.

Said Kevin Wheatcroft: ‘It is with great reluctance we have taken this decision. Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd owe us nearly £2.5m in rent dating back to September 2008.

‘Despite receiving numerous reassurances over a number of months, they have consistently failed to meet their financial obligations under the terms of the lease.

‘We have held off taking legal action for as long as possible, but have been left with no choice but to commence proceedings to recover the outstanding rent and forfeiture of the lease.’

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone’s approval of Donington as the race venue for the British Grand Prix was dependent on the track receiving a major overhaul.

In January this year the green light was given to begin work on a £100m redevelopment to bring the venue up to standard but doubts have been raised as to where the capital to fund the project would come from.

However, despite work beginning immediately the track was not granted a safety certificate by the Motor Sports Association, leading to the cancelling of a number of events.

DVLL’s Gillett was also set to confirm plans at the end of March for his debenture scheme, again to raise much-needed funds, but they have been put on hold.

Ecclestone has indicated that if Donington fails to deliver its promised overhaul, the British Grand Prix would be dropped from the F1 calendar all together as opposed to staying at Silverstone which will host its last race this year on 21st June.

Said Ecclestone: ‘If Donington can’t put on the British Grand Prix then that’s it. We will be leaving Britain.

‘There is no question of us going back to Silverstone. They have had enough chances and have not delivered what they promised.’