Donington reveals redevelopment plan

The track requiries significant upgrades to meet modern Formula One standards, and today its owners submitted their initial plans to North West Leicestershire District Council for approval.

Under the proposals, the pit lane will be moved from its current location to what is presently the Starkey's Straight, with a brand new paddock constructed on the inside of the track at this point and Coppice corner being reprofiled to accomodate the new pit entry.

The realignment of the straight means that the current Esses will be replaced by a slight left-hand kink, with the Melbourne Hairpin instead becoming the circuit's first corner.

The track will also be extended, with a new infield loop constructed. Rather than taking the current left-hand hairpin at the end of the Melbourne Loop, the revised circuit will continue straight on into a sweeping downhill left-hand bend and then a new hairpin, before climbing back towards the current pits straight.

"The submission of these plans heralds the start of a massive re-development project and a new era for Donington Park. It's an incredibly exciting time for everybody involved," said Donington's chief executive officer Simon Gillett.

"We are delighted with the plans and when the work is completed we will have a facility that will be the pride of world championship motorsport."

Donington also confirmed that its chief operating officer Lee Gill has now left the company by mutual consent.

"We wish to thank Mr Gill for his work at the circuit over the past 18 months in which we secured the prestigious FIA Formula One British Grand Prix," said Gillett.

"Mr Gill is pursuing other interests and we wish him every success. The move is part of the planned re-structuring of the company as it turns its attention fully towards the future, working towards the development of the circuit and the running of the 2010 British Grand Prix."

Donington has been awarded a ten-year contract to host the British GP, starting from 2010.