Donington race could be postponed

source : www.autosport.com
By Pablo Elizalde
Tuesday, May 12th 2009

Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone says the British Grand Prix could skip a year if the Donington Park circuit isn't ready in time for next season.

"If the work at Donington is not finished in time, we would be happy to skip a year," Ecclestone told The Times newspaper.

Ecclestone made it clear he preferred the British race to be absent from the calendar for a year rather than return to Silverstone.

"I don't want to lose the British Grand Prix - that's the last thing we want to do, but we aren't going to Silverstone for sure," he added.

Doubts about the British GP at Donington re-emerged earlier this month after it was announced circuit owner Tom Wheatcroft was taking legal action against the track's leaseholders for unpaid rent.

Donington Ventures boss Simon Gillett denied the race had been jeopardised by the action against his company.

Gillett also insisted the rebuilding project would still be completed in time for the race.