Ecclestone in Donington warning

Sep 5 2008

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has warned Donington Park's owners he has a number of options open to him should they fail to fulfil their British Grand Prix contract.

Questions have been raised about Donington's plans to host the race from 2010 in the wake of the departure of Lee Gill.

Gill has relinquished his position as chief operating officer of Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd, just two months after the company acquired the rights to host the British GP.

Gill, along with chief executive Simon Gillett, was a co-founder of DVLL, but their partnership has come to an end, leaving Gillett in sole charge.

Asked whether the break-up would have an effect on the future of Donington as a circuit host, Ecclestone said: "We've a contract with them, which I hope they honour.

"I'm not even considering there won't be a race there."

Then questioned if he had contingency plans should Donington fall through, Ecclestone replied: "We've plenty of things to plug the holes."

Planning permission for the £100million redevelopment of the track to bring it up to Formula One standards is due to be submitted to North West Leicestershire District Council early next week.