Button behind British Grand Prix bid

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Further doubt has been cast on Donington Park's ability to showcase the event following Thursday's launch of a legal battle. Circuit owner Tom Wheatcroft has started proceedings against Simon Gillett's company, Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd, who have a 150-year lease of the East Midlands venue.

There is now every chance the race could be lost, which would come as a bitter blow for current championship leader Button, who said: "As a British driver, and motor sport is very British, it would be very disappointing not to race in my home country,"

He added: "I don't live in the UK, I live in Monaco, but I'm very British and very patriotic, and it would be a disaster.

"It is a GP that is very hectic for a British driver because it's a very busy schedule.

"But in a way that's what I love about it. It's great driving in and seeing all the Union Jacks. It's a great feeling for a driver."

Wheatcroft is seeking £2.47million in rent arrears from DVLL, who are due to stage the race from next season, as well as forfeiture of the track lease.

It is an unsavoury fight just nine months after Gillett agreed a 10-year deal with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone to stage the blue-riband event.

Ecclestone has previously made it clear if Donington Park does not come up to scratch, then there will be no British Grand Prix.

The 78-year-old is adamant there is no going back to Silverstone, which hosts its last race race on June 21, the 60th anniversary of F1's oldest grand prix.