WTCC switches to Donington for '11

Brands was announced as the venue for a sixth consecutive year when the provisional 2011 WTCC calendar was issued last month, but a two-year deal has now been done with the recently-revived Donington track instead.

A WTCC statement cited "logistics" as the reason for the move. AUTOSPORT understands that hospitality facilities for manufacturers was among the factors in the change of venue.

"We are very happy with this agreement and we are sure that working in close collaboration we will be able to make the event one of the highlights of the WTCC season," said series boss Marcello Lotti.

"Donington Park is an historical venue for international motorsport and after its recent renovation it offers the level of facilities that our championship needs. Besides this, we have good memories of our previous visits with the European Touring Car Championship."

Track owner Kevin Wheatcroft was delighted that the WTCC would return to his circuit, giving Donington its first international touring car events since it hosted the European series in 2002-04 and the DTM until '03.

"Getting the British round of WTCC is a real coup, both for the track and the local area," said Wheatcroft. "It is a huge event which attracts large crowds and is watched the world over, so we can't wait to bring it to Donington."