Donington still in the running for British GP

A major update to the Leicestershire circuit is planned for next year after it was approached as an alternative venue in April by Brands Hatch, which owns the rights to the 2002 British GP. Donington is on standby should the Kent track lose an application for planning permission for its own major overhaul - and recent events appear to have increased the chances of that happening.

Opposition to Brands Hatch has come from environmental group the Woodland Trust, as 15 hectares of ancient woodland would have to be felled and built on in order for the circuit to meet the standards of the FIA, the sport's governing body.

Silverstone remains under a cloud after the wet weather debacle in April and the circuit received a verbal pasting from Mosley last week, who described its facilities as "shaming" to Britain. However, the British Racing Drivers' club, owners of Silverstone, believes that negotiations are under way that will enable the British GP to stay at the Northamptonshire circuit after 2001.

The final green light for Brands Hatch to start circuit modifications must come from the Environment Secretary John Prescott, since the circuit is within the Metropolitan Greenbelt. A decision is expected at the beginning of August which, depending on the outcome, could put Donington in a strong position to strike a deal with Brands Hatch for the 2002 race.