Gillett rubbishes British GP slurs

The suggestion is Gillett will fall flat on his face in his efforts to redevelop Donington Park to the tune of £100million. At that point Ecclestone will step in as the saviour of the British Grand Prix, delivering a 'stuff you' message to Silverstone.

"If Bernie wanted to be in charge of the British Grand Prix at Donington Park, he has the ability to do that, I'm quite sure," said Gillett, chief executive of Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd that leases the track from the family-owning Wheatcrofts.

Ecclestone has long derided Northamptonshire circuit Silverstone, seemingly refusing to forget the time when he was snubbed after offering them financial assistance many years ago.

But Gillett maintains such a scenario is far from the case, and he remains on track to deliver the race for July next year, with Ecclestone's help.

"If Bernie wanted something he could do it," he added. "He doesn't need someone like me to step in and facilitate that for him.

"He has a great relationship with the Wheatcrofts. He knows various other circuits; he has the ability to do whatever he wants to do. But at the moment we're working very well, and I don't see any hint of that (happening)."

Gillett insists what he describes as "a spat" with the Wheatcrofts will be resolved as they face one another in County Court on June 8. Tom Wheatcroft is suing Gillett for £2.47million in back rent, as well as seeking a forfeiture of the lease, throwing the British Grand Prix into jeopardy.

That feud on Tuesday night forced North West Leicestershire District Council into extending a deadline for the signing of a crucial document that if not done will see them revoke the planning permission initially given in early January.

Gillett and Wheatcroft now have until the end of June to settle their differences and put their names to a Section 106, in layman's terms a legal document by which all parties must adhere to.