Settlement Secures Donington Future

Preparations for the British Grand Prix at Donington Park will continue after the race operators reached an out of court settlement with the track owners.

Owners Wheatcroft and Son Limited had threatened to cancel the lease because Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd (DVLL) owed £2.47m in rent.

The two parties have also agreed a united front over the outstanding planning issues at the circuit although details of the settlement itself are being kept confidential between the parties.

Donington has a 10-year contract to host the race, starting in 2010, taking over from Silverstone which will stage its final F1 race later this month.

‘This is another positive boost for Donington Park,’ said DVLL chief executive Simon Gillett, who secured the 150-year lease for the track in 2007.

‘We were always aware that saving the future of the British Grand Prix was an enormous task, but it is one that we are fully committed to and will make happen.

‘So far, all of our efforts have been achieved in the face of adversity and it’s reassuring to know that the Wheatcroft family shares our vision and passion for British motorsport.’

The two parties were due in court this week after initial proceedings against DVLL were started at Derby County Court in April by lawyers at Browne Jacobson LLP, acting on behalf of the Wheatcrofts, Tom and Kevin.

In January this year the green light was given to begin work on a £100m redevelopment to bring the venue up to standard.

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.

Following the settlement, planning arrangements are now being finalised by the Council and Gillett has claimed the circuit will be ready in time for 2010.

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone had stated that if Donington does not meet required standards to host the event there will be no British Grand Prix after next year.