10/02/2009
NEWS STORY
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Despite mounting speculation that his plans to host the British Grand Prix from next season will not be realised, Donington Park boss Simon Gillett insists that the race will go ahead.
Despite getting the all-clear from the local council for the massive redevelopment needed for the circuit, in recent weeks it has come to light that the circuit's owners don't appear to have the money.
As Pitpass recently reported, Donington needs an estimated £40m of redevelopment work in order to bring the circuit up to scratch in time for next year's race. However, Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd is said to have debts of £66.7m, and a team of independent auditors have said they remain unconvinced they the company will have sufficient financial backing to stage the race.
Speaking to the Guardian, Gillet insists that all will be OK: "It's business as usual at Donington Park and absolutely nothing has changed," he said. "Work is continuing on site and all of our staff are completely focused on delivering a full and exciting calendar of events this year ahead of our hosting of the British grand prix in July next year.
"Our 2008 financial report has not been filed with Companies House, which leaves me confused as to where certain publications have sourced their 'facts' and figures from. We have always maintained we will reveal details of our financial package for the grand prix in quarter one of this year.
"True to Donington Park's belief in delivering on promises, we will make this information available at the end of March," he added.
Other than the speculation regarding the financing of the event, there has been government criticism of the redesign of the track, with a recent report describing the proposal "weak" and "naive".
"The planned developments have the potential to put Leicestershire and the rest of the country on the world map for our motorsport facilities, and that's something I remain passionate about," said Gillett. "It would be easy to roll over and give in when faced with a constant barrage of scepticism and criticism, but that's not my style."
While Gillet continues to claim that everything is fine and that the race will go ahead, the great fear for British race fans is what if he's wrong.