Donington's drive gets thumbs-up

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North West Leicestershire District Council have granted owner Simon Gillett planning permission to turn the venue into a state-of-the-art facility, by unanimous agreement.

Gillett now has 17 months to complete phase one of the project prior to Donington staging next year's British Grand Prix.

Gillett, via his company Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd, signed a 10-year agreement with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone last summer after Silverstone stalled over a new deal.

Silverstone, which has staged the British Grand Prix since 1987, is due to host its final race in June before Donington Park ushers in a supposedly new era for the event.

Phase one will see the track extended in line with FIA regulations, along with the building of a new pit and paddock complex, media and medical centres, clubhouse and suites at Redgate, Starkeys and Craner Curves.

Gillett's plan is to raise the capital required for the building work via a debenture scheme.

A naturally delighted Gillett said: "I'm over the moon. It's the end of six years of hard work, and the beginning of probably six years more hard work.

"But I'm elated, relieved, all of the above. I couldn't be happier, and from the morning it's shovels at dawn and away we go.

"It starts in earnest now, and time to start focusing on 2010 and delivering the best grand prix in the world. That is what I've always said we would deliver, and that is what we are going to do."