FIM renews Donington's licence

The British Grand Prix venue is part-way through a massive redevelopment in preparation for the return of Formula 1 to the circuit in 2010, and building work relating to a new tunnel had caused changes to the run-off areas around McLeans and Coppice.

This led to the cancellation of some domestic racing, and when the whole Donington revamp project was thrown into question as a dispute between the circuit-owning Wheatcroft family and track promoter Donington Ventures erupted, there were fears that the British MotoGP event might not take place.

But today it was announced that agreement had been reached between the Wheatcrofts and DVL, and the track has now also passed an inspection by the FIM's circuit inspector Claude Danis.

Donington boss Simon Gillett welcomed the news that the race's MotoGP round would take place as planned on 24-26 July. The FIM seal of approval also confirms that Donington's World Superbike event on 26-28 June will go ahead.

"This is great news for everybody at Donington Park and all of the fans," said Gillett. "The ticket sales for both of our world class motorcycle racing events have been extremely positive and we'd like to thank the fans who have remained loyal and believed in us for committing to buying tickets.

"We have already sold 50 per cent more tickets than we had at this time last year for World Superbikes and the sales of our MotoGP tickets have remained at the same level.

"I'd like to thank the FIM for the positive working relationship that we have so far enjoyed and look forward to continuing to work with them in the future."