Dennis sceptical on Donington plans
McLaren boss Ron Dennis says he remains sceptical about Donington Park's chances of hosting the British Grand Prix in 2010 despite the track securing planning permission for circuit changes this week
Donington Park moved a major step closer to holding next year's F1 event after the local council approved a £100 million revamp - work which has started today.
But despite the boost, Dennis reckons the worldwide financial situation - especially the British pound's slide against the US dollar - allied to question marks about traffic plans for the race have left him 'concerned' about the prospect for F1 in Britain.
"I applaud anyone coming into Grand Prix racing and bringing competition," Dennis told the audience at this morning's Sid Watkins Lecture at the Autosport International Show.
"But I really do struggle to understand how the economics of Donington will work. They have had a 25% swing in the dollar and the contract will be a dollar-based contract. It has got a massive investment into infrastructure.
"I don't understand how we are going to get in and out of the place, although I can tell you I will be in a helicopter!
"But the reality is that I want successful grands prix and I am concerned that, as we go down this path, the economic model, especially in this climate, won't work. And that could be to the detriment of us hosting a grand prix in this country."
Dennis also backed calls for the British government to offer some financial support to ensure the long-term future of the British Grand Prix.
"It is important for governments to realise that Grand Prix racing does require a degree of government support," said Dennis."For a government not to contribute anything is fundamentally wrong.
"My argument is that England is clearly a centre of excellence for the automotive and motorsport world, so there needs to be government involvement. But it needs to be economically viable for the circuit as well.
"So in respect of many Grands Prix, not just the British, governments do need to be involved. No question. There is a justification for their involvement because of what a Grand Prix brings to a country."
Donington Park CEO Simon Gillett told autosport.com this morning that he was unmoved by the doubters who claim that the event at Donington Park will not go ahead.
"Well, I've been told I wouldn't get the circuit," said Gillett. "I've been told I wouldn't get planning. I've got both. So I am hoping now people will tell me I won't get on the grid and I won't be able to build it on time.
"As long as the doubters keep at it, we will keep achieving. As I've said, I am not out to convince the doubters, I am going to build it. We will still build it, we will still run the Grand Prix, and that is the best way to prove the doubters wrong."
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