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I'm sure that won't happen — because I don't think the upgrades will ever happen. I do wonder whether Gillett assumed that, to some extent, he would be able to get through the ordinary planning process without complete scrutiny because of the perceived benefits of the project. Thankfully, it seems that proper procedures are being followed.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark
Well, I kept my fingers crossed but up until now I see Donny's chance of delivering is getting thinner by the day so unless Bernie calls his bluff it was nice having the British GP while it lasted.
http://www.crash.net/Formula+One/New...rix_saved.htmlQuote:
The British Grand Prix looks likely to be saved with suggestions doing the rounds that Bernie Ecclestone has purchased the promoting rights off Simon Gillett's troubled Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd (DVLL) company – with help from the UK government.
Ah, I think Bernies play is becoming clearer here. He gives the Grand Prix to Donington, who then predictably fail to deliver, Bernie buys the company and thence has the rights to the British GP all to himself.
He then leases the rights back to Silverstone and effectively takes direct control himself. Sneaky.
Sneaky... or brilliant?
Haven't we been here before with Brands Hatch? Bernie sells them the rights for a tidy profit, Nicola Foulston can afford a new handbag or million, Octagon nearly bankrupt themselves failing to upgrade the circuit, Bernie buys the rights back at a knockdown price.
In both cases the big winner is one Bernard Charles Ecclestone.
To be honest I couldn't give a flying - so long as the British GP is safe. However I'll not crack open the bubbly until it's properly officially well and truly definately 100% actually factually totally (and I don't just mean a headline on Pisspot or Crash) confirmed. In writing. In blood. Hell, I'll wait until the five lights have gone out before I believe it!
Exactly.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Brockman
It is all seeming rather familiar. 5 years down the line we'll be having the British Grand Prix at Knockhill.
After that it'll be at the Manx TT course.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark
Followed by Lydd, Wimbledon Banger Track and my local council estate.Quote:
Originally Posted by theugsquirrel
Well, well, well!!!
Not sure whether to feel sorry for Simon Gillet considering some of the hype built up. Donny desperately needed upgrading anyway :D Dorna will be chuffed.
I want that! :eek:Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark
Now it seems that Donny may have further planning woes:
Full story: http://allenonf1.wordpress.com/2009/...-donington-gp/Quote:
The would-be promoters of the 2010 British Grand Prix, face a crunch meeting with the local North West Leicestershire council on Tuesday which, if it goes wrong, could mean the end of plans for the race at Donington.
Already squeezed by a £2.5 million law suit from circuit owners the Wheatcroft family, Simon Gillett’s Donington Ventures group must persuade the council to give them more time to get the Wheatcrofts to sign a crucial section 106 spectator safety document, without which the race cannot go ahead.
According to the council leader, speaking in the News of the World today, either Gillett will get an extension until May 31st, or the planning consent will be thrown out and the race plans will be in tatters.
The council leader claims to be optimistic about the chances of the race being saved, but it looks like it will take payment of the outstanding £2.5 million of rent by Tuesday, or proof that it will be paid by May 31st for the council to move forward with granting planning consent.
Further to my previous post, Donny have been given a reprieve and allowed a further month to come up with the necessary documents. A further rumour is that Bernie has lent them the cash to pay their debts.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/sport...ne/8034172.stm
http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headline...05205127.shtml
http://allenonf1.wordpress.com/2009/...nother-chance/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/sport...ne/8034172.stm
Damn it. Posted in wrong thread. Sorry.
I think people should stop being so negative! It seems a great opportunity for a new venue and I'm looking forward to seeing the F1 at Donington Park. I can't wait unitl I can book my tickets!
Realistic, not negative. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by touringscars
Correct :up:Quote:
Originally Posted by Paddy Cummins
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/75265
Bernie may skip the British GP for a year if Donny is delayed :(
F1 just wouldnt feel like F1 without a British GP. Bernie is a c&*t.
Why can't Bernie just skip out of F1 altogether?Quote:
Originally Posted by Knock-on
An old and wrinkly one at that!Quote:
Originally Posted by 555-04Q2
I would normally say "a bit on the vulgar side Wilko," but in this case, thats going easy on the smurf.Quote:
Originally Posted by SGWilko
Did anyone see the Beeb's interview with Simon Gillett last weekend? He seemed overly confident that Donington would have the race in 2010.
Gillett was interviewed on ITV4's BTCC coverage and had nothing new to say beyond the usual: we have 15 months in which to do 9 months' work, and we'll start just as soon as we've finalised the finding, which hopefully shouldn't be too long now. Hopefully.
Oh, he did also intonate that he expects the dispute with the Wheatcroft family to be resolved out-of-court, but couldn't exand on that point as it's an ongoing legal matter.
There was also a rumour that Bernie Ecclestone is set to buy Silverstone, which if true would clearly indicate he intends to run the GP there.
Yep, take the GP away from Silverstone, thus significantly denting it's market value, then buy it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Brockman
If this were the stock market he'd be going to jail right now.
I think it might still be illegal anyway.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark
There is something very smelly about the whole Donny / Silverstone business that smacks of double crossing and insider trading.
Agree totally. I little while back Max drew up a list of tracks which are the core historic circuits where Formula 1 will always visit, Silverstone was one of them as well as Monza and Monaco. That lasted all of about 5 minutes before they went back on it.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/75829
Well, that's one roadblock removed. The legal side is sorted.
Even more good news: they've got the block to their planning permission sorted. Building work will recommence on Monday.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/76313
Of course, they might just be playing host to Williams and Force India by then, while the bigger boys play down the road at Silverstone :eek:
Bernie's just told the BBC that should Donny not be ready, the British GP will return to SIlverstone, a fantastic about-turn! :D
It also backs up what Mosley says here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/andrewben...prix_mole.html
Yeah, just heard him on BBC.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Brockman
I wonder if Spa and the original Ring were on that list, along with Indy and wherever in canada :confused:Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Brockman
Bernie has only spent the last decade trying to get the track upgraded with someone elses money...while threatening to remove the race every year. Of course he wants it now the money has been spent.
Bernie Ecclestone gets away with things that ought to have put his @ss in jail and yet he wears teflon.
Call me a cynic....but talk of silverstone getting the 2010 F1 Grand Prix would be a good enough reason for them not to sign a FOTA deal.
That was the first thing that came to mind.
Bernie's 180 turn suggests he's seriously spooked by FOTA.
Bernie has given Donington an ultimatum: prove by September that they have the funding or lose the GP. Put up or shut up, effectively. He's also confirmed that it will return to Silverstone if Donington can't deliver.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77913Quote:
"They have got until the end of September to produce a bank guarantee and their contract depends on that. If they don't, it's adios amigos," he told the Sunday Express at Valencia.
"I'm hoping Donington... do all the things they must do. And if they can't, we will come back to Silverstone."
Now the crap will hit the fan. I feel a little doubtful that this will work out. And if it doesn't, Donington's only high-profile event will be the BTCC then? - what with MotoGP moving to Silverstone.
BSB also gets big attendances. More than BTCC at some circuits I'd guess.Quote:
Originally Posted by Paddy Cummins
Perhaps also an opportunity for Donington to get a WSB race now that they've dropped Brands.
When will the guy (Gillett) stop blowing hot air about? Either the tracks going to be ready - in which case say so, or its not - in which case give Silverstone a ring and ensure the future of the British GP!
I'm not an expert on the Silverstone situation, but the word in the media has been for years that the place was never up to the standards of many other tracks? Is it true? I remember reading something about the entry roads or lack of them etc.
I've heard complaints written about people finding entry to the track rather daunting. Maybe its something to do with the road network in the area. But I've never been there myself so I don't speak from experience. The track itself is in fine condition I believe though. I've not heard anything regarding degrading track surfaces or dodgy armco anyway. It should still be fit to run a grand prix. :up:Quote:
Originally Posted by DexDexter