Bernie: Even Lewis can’t save British GP if Donington fails
By LJ Hutchins
Friday, November 7th, 2008
Bernie Ecclestone has told British F1 fans that not even a home champion will be enough to save their grand prix in 2010 should Donington Park fail to meet its obligation to stage the event.
The Formula One supremo, speaking to The Times following Lewis Hamilton’s world championship win, reiterated that there was no room for doubt – as far as the British Grand Prix goes, it’s Donington or bust after next year.
He said: “Even if Lewis is world champion, we will simply say we will get on with the calendar and that England won’t be included.”
The east Midlands circuit will become the official home of the race in little more eighteen months’ time – and is still waiting to receive planning permission for a £100 million redevelopment to bring its facilities up to the necessary standard.
The global economic downturn is a new cause for concern. On the eve of the Brazilian Grand Prix a little-reported story broke telling how Jonathan Palmer was temporarily shelving a £15 million development at Snetterton, despite having the go-ahead from planners.
He said the current economic circumstances meant “there’s going to be some caution before we do start building and we’d be fools not to.”
Ecclestone’s blunt rejection of any possible back-up plan if Donington doesn’t make it in time follows the disappearance of two other well-established races from the 2009 schedule.
The Canadian Grand Prix was dropped without explanation, to the mystification of the organisers and the fury of the teams, who are particularly keen to promote themselves in north America.
And the FIA has called for an enquiry after the French Grand Prix was cancelled, just eight days after the Canadian announcement, after the French Motorsports Federation (FFSA) withdrew its financing.
This means the 2009 calendar currently features 17 races instead of the expected 19.
Related posts:
- F1: Is British GP safe even if Donington does deliver?
- F1: Magny-Cours is off the calendar
- F1: Mosley reveals British GP watching brief
- F1: Silverstone is going out in style
- F1: Lewis would be a “very acceptable†champion
Read more about Bernie Ecclestone, British Grand Prix, Canadian Grand Prix, Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Donington Park, FIA, French Grand Prix, Jonathan Palmer, Lewis Hamilton, Snetterton.
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Author: LJ Hutchins. Supports McLaren, kind of. Thinks James May gets a rough deal off the other two. Drives a Subaru Impreza but regrets its lack of bright blue paint and gold wheels. Is very nearly old enough to know better but probably never will. Is a supporter member of the BWRDC. LJ has written 1117 articles for us.
