Gillett: British grand prix must be saved
Donington boss Simon Gillett says British grand prix must be saved
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By Darren Estwick. |  |
Wednesday, 25, Nov 2009 10:42
By Adam Leveridge.
Donington boss Simon Gillett is adamant there must be a British grand prix on the formula one calendar in 2010, either at the Leicestershire circuit or its traditional home of Silverstone.
Gillett, whose company Donington Ventures Leisure Limited (DVLL) went into administration last week, failed to organise its finances in time to secure the rights to host the British round of the F1 world championship.
However, although Silverstone claims it is close to signing a ten-year deal to host F1 in this country, Gillett says it is still a two-horse race.
"Personally I think we should have a British grand prix and it is a shame that other people within the UK don't agree with that," said Gillett.
"No one is ever looking for a free handout from government but there certainly should be more support from central resources to make sure we have a grand prix."
He added: "It is criminal when you see Wembley receiving £140 million of free money from the government for what is a very rich man's sport and they will not give a penny to the British grand prix whether it is Donington or Silverstone.
"They won't come near the sport, which is a real shame."
According to Gillett, some half-a-dozen investors are currently weighing up their options with regard to Donington but, with Bernie Ecclestone setting a deadline of December 9th, it is becoming increasingly unlikely that a deal will be signed to save the British grand prix.
"The money is not from the traditional places that people might look to," said Gillett.
"The minute you say you are looking for finance, everyone looks to the middle-east and assumes it is from a Saudi prince.
"But ours has come predominantly from mainland Europe and in the UK itself."