FIM assured Donington will go ahead

MotoGP race director Paul Butler told AUTOSPORT at Jerez that even though the run-off area after McLeans might be a little smaller than before once the new access tunnel at the centre of the licence issue is completed, the changes are on the inside of the circuit - an area where bikes very rarely end up.

The FIM's Claude Danis said he appreciated that work was progressing, and has studied recent pictures of the work on the underpass.

"They have closed the circuit this weekend to work so I am without doubt they will be ready in time before the British Superbike Championship races on 24 May," he said. "I will make an inspection in early June - that is over a month and a half before the MotoGP race on 26 July."

Details and drawings of the area in question are to be shown to the riders tonight at Jerez during their regular safety meeting.

It is unclear at present who is to be the promoter of the race considering the current lawsuit against the leaseholders DVL by freeholder Tom Wheatcroft.

The Day of Champions charity day organisers, Riders For Health, are also continuing in their preparations on the assumption that the race will go ahead.