Ecclestone rules out Donington race

Bernie Ecclestone today categorically confirmed there will be no British Grand Prix at Donington Park.

Speaking at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, in the paddock of the new Yas Marina circuit, Ecclestone said: “There’s no Donington.

“They’ve missed the deadline which we kept extending for them.”

Donington's final deadline is understood to have been midnight on Tuesday, despite earlier suggestions it was noon on Monday.

Regardless of the specific timing, the Leicestershire circuit’s ambitious plan to host one of British sport’s blue riband events is officially dead in the water.

Simon Gillett, chief executive of Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd who lease the track from the owning Wheatcroft family, had signed a 17-year deal with Ecclestone.

But Gillett’s plans to raise the £135m (€150m) required to redevelop the circuit hit the rocks as banks shied away at a time when the global credit crisis was at its worst.

It had been suggested Gillett had paid a £12m (€13,4m) security owed to Ecclestone to keep the deal alive, but the Formula One supremo stated that was not the case.

Ecclestone added: “It’s unfortunate for them.

“It was the credit crunch that caused them to be in trouble – because there intentions were good, that’s for sure.”

“It’s bad for Tom (Wheatcroft), because he’s been an old friend for a long time,” added Ecclestone, who turned 79 yesterday.

As far as Ecclestone is concerned, the ball is now in Silverstone’s court to agree a deal they shied away from 18 months ago – and which resulted in Gillett poaching the race from their grasp.

Silverstone Holdings stalled then, not because of the £12m annual asking price to host the race but because of a 7%yearly increase clause.

Ecclestone added: “We’re talking. A deal can be done if they want to.”

Asked if there was a difference of opinion over the details, he said: “There isn’t actually.

“As far as I’m concerned, no problems.”