Donington gets final planning permission

The final document has now been signed by all relevant parties and the planned construction work can begin on site immediately.

"It's great to have cleared another hurdle and to see the hard work of the entire team at the circuit paying off," said Donington boss Simon Gillett. "There's no denying that we still have a lot of hard work ahead but we'll continue to remain positive and do everything that we can to deliver against the promises that we have been made.

"The construction work is obviously extremely important, but we're also trying hard to ensure that it doesn't compromise the experience that our visitors to forthcoming events have."

Donington is scheduled to host the British Grand Prix from next year after having secured a 17-year deal.

Doubts were cast over the plan, however, with Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone suggesting last weekend that Silverstone could still host the race next year.

Ecclestone's comment came after Silverstone boss Robert Brooks had said he did not believe Donington would be ready in time.

Andrew Hampel, the CEO of ISG - the company running Donington's debenture - hit out at Brooks, saying there is no reason to believe the circuit will not be ready.

"It is nonsense to say that the Donington Park figures and debenture scheme does not stack up," said Hampel. "Through IMG and Bastion, ISG has vast experience and we are world leaders in the area of stadium and arena marketing.

"Without doubt, as paying customers, motorsport fans are ready for the same level of quality that fans of other leading sports have become accustomed to, and there is no reason that Donington Park cannot provide that."