Donington boss Simon Gillett remains confident that his £100m master-plan for a massive redevelopment of the circuit, which will allow it to host Britain's round of the Formula One World Championship from next year, will get the go-ahead from North West Leicestershire District Council later this week (Thursday).

Speaking to the Derby Evening Telegraph at the weekend, Gillet said: "We are going there on Jan 8 expecting to come out with a piece of paper."

Referring to the many sceptics of his plan, he added: "I don't have to convince them and I am not about to convince them. I will convince them by building it."

He was given a further confidence boost by Mark Alflat, director of community services at neighbouring South Derbyshire District Council, who served as consultants.

"The development offers substantial economic opportunities," Alflat told the same newspaper. "The Grand Prix has the potential to attract both visitor spend and inward investment. New facilities, along with associated developments, will create substantial construction employment opportunities."

However, while Gillet remains confident of getting his "piece of paper" from North West Leicestershire District Council, the question remains as to where the money for the redevelopment will come from... especially in these harsh times.