Gillett - Donington will be ready

Debenture scheme to fund Donington improvements?

Last updated: 6th July 2008

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After winning the right to host the British Grand Prix, Donington Park chief executive Simon Gillett has admitted that Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone could yet move the race.

Nevertheless, he has no doubt that the Leicestershire circuit, due to take over from Silverstone from 2010 after Ecclestone announced on Friday a shock decision to relocate the race, will be ready.

Investement of £100 million spent over five years to bring it to the required standard has been promised.

But Gillett told BBC Radio Five Live: "If we're not ready, in the same way that if anybody else wasn't ready, then I'm sure Bernie Ecclestone would look to do something as he cannot jeopardise the grand prix.

"But as there aren't any other alternatives we will be there at 2010."

Mystery benefactor

There have been suggestions that much of the investment needed will come from a mystery benefactor, with further rumours suggesting that that person is Ecclestone himself.

Yet Gillett has rubbished all talk of Ecclestone - who had long been at loggerheads with Silverstone's owners - providing backing.

He added: "Bernie has not invested. Some of the rumours of a wonderful fairy godfather out there with a big chequebook are slightly off the mark.

"We are looking to start a fan-based debenture scheme, in much the same way that Wembley and all major the stadiums across the world are looking to use their fan power, and we'll use this to invest and develop the circuit."