Donington circuit 110m euro upgrade approved - British GP in 2010

Donington Park was today given the green light to proceed with planned circuit developments, which will enable the venue to host the 2010 British Formula One Grand Prix. North West Leicestershire District Council granted planning permission for the first stage of improvements at an evening hearing in Coalville.

The permission was a significant milestone for Chief Executive Simon Gillett, who has spent six years researching and planning the project. Construction, planning and design, which began six months ago, is now complete and a contractor has been appointed. Gillett - who holds a 150-year lease on the circuit - emerged victorious from the hearing, promising that "Donington will deliver".

Gillett's comment is likely to have struck a chord with critics who have consistently attacked the plans since Donington Park's intention was announced last July. The determined entrepreneur has remained committed to delivery and has been insistent that his only response to the sceptics will be successful completion of the development.

"We will definitely be celebrating tonight," Gillett exclaimed. "This is a major step forward and one more target delivered". I remain committed to approaching every stage of this development with the same passion and vigour with which we attacked the planning stage and I have endeavoured to ensure that the same is true of the people who will work with me on this project.

"My eye is always on that fixed end date of July 2010. I remain confident and positive that we can and will achieve everything that we have promised and I won't rest until I am watching the British Grand Prix at Donington Park next year."

His excitement at the positive news was mirrored by Donington Park landowner Tom Wheatcroft: "I'm delighted to see that the plans have been accepted - there is a lot of work ahead now for everyone and I am looking forward enthusiastically to 2010 and the arrival of the British F1 Grand Prix,".