Donington Park's administrators have welcomed Bernie Ecclestone's declaration that the British Grand Prix could still take place at the circuit if a new investor can be found.

The Formula One supremo has insisted that next summer's British race will be dropped from the calendar if Silverstone have not agreed a deal to replace Donington as race hosts by mid-December when the FIA's World Council meet in Paris.

But Ecclestone is not ready to write off Britain's round of the world championship entirely. And he has told Donington administrator Nigel Price that the historic midlands venue could be back in the reckoning for 2011 if he can attract someone prepared to put £135million into a redevelopment project.

Price said: "I think it's tremendously encouraging. Without meaning to prejudge anything Bernie might wish to do, he's clearly shown a desire in the past to put Formula One at Donington.

"Therefore, if we can find someone with the financial clout and drive to get something done and quickly, I'm sure Bernie would consider doing that still."