Donington circuit submits F1 development plans

Donington Park, due to replace Silverstone as the British Formula One Grand Prix venue in 2010, has submitted plans for the first phase of a major track re-development.

"The submission of these plans heralds the start of a massive re-development project and a new era for Donington Park," said the circuit's chief executive Simon Gillett in a statement.

"When the work is completed we will have a facility that will be the pride of World Championship motorsport."

Donington said the work would not affect next year's MotoGP race at the circuit.

The directors of Donington Ventures Leisure Limited also announced that Lee Gill had left his position as joint chief executive.

Gill and Gillett together negotiated the 10-year deal with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone that took the British Grand Prix away from Silverstone.

The deal included a commitment by Donington Ventures to invest 100 million pounds on revamping the circuit over a five-year period.

Ecclestone, who has said there would be no British Grand Prix if Donington was not ready in 2010, said at the Belgian Grand Prix that he had no worries.

"We've got a contract with them so I hope they honour it. I'm not even considering there's not going to be a race there," he said.