Donington revamp gets planning approval

A spokeswoman for the track confirmed to autosport.com that the local North West Leicestershire District Council had approved the track's plans for a new pitlane and paddock, plus grandstand and media facilities, which are scheduled to be ready in time for the 2010 event.

Donington Park secured a deal with Bernie Ecclestone in the middle of last year to host the race from next year, but revisions to the track were enough for them to need local planning permission.

However, circuit boss Simon Gillett said recently that he was confident the track would secure the approval, as he claimed he was unmoved by the doubters who think there are too many obstacles for the track to be able to host the race.

Speaking about his reaction to the doubters, Gillett told autosport.com: "I don't have to convince them and I am not about to convince them. I will convince them by building it.

"I am not going to stand here and tell everyone that you have to believe me honest, I am not interested in that.

"They will see when buildings come out of the ground and cars come on the grid - if they want to sit at home and still not believe me then that is their prerogative, but the buildings will still come out of the ground and the cars will still be on the grid."

With planning permission having now been secured, work on the track is expected to start imminently.

Gillett has said he hopes to secure the funding for the track improvements from a corporate debenture scheme, similar to that employed at the new Wembley Stadium.