Grand Prix redesign unveiled

Racetrack owners believe they have come up with the winning formula to bring the British Grand Prix to Leicestershire.

In a few short months, this could be the sight to greet race fans, as some £100 million is spent bringing the historic Donington Park track up to speed.

The move takes its first major step forward on Thursday, when councillors are expected to approve the plans.

Donington circuit owner Simon Gillett said: "I started out six years ago to create the greatest racetrack in the world and, hopefully, this work will start on Thursday.

"This is a realistic ambition for 2010. It is a large project, but I wouldn't want to say which part is most important, it all is. This is a complete package.

"The track itself continues to be our biggest asset. It is famed for the fact that it is not flat, and these changes will make it even better."

Under the plans, the circuit's straights and bends – including Coppice Corner, Starkey's Hill, Melbourne Corner and Wheatcroft Straight – will be realigned.

A new pit building would incorporate 36 bays for Formula One teams and their cars.

The racing area would be widened and extended to include a pit lane and over four kilometres of new or resurfaced track.

There would be six grandstands, with a total of 67,890 seats, a new media centre with space for 500 journalists and a clubhouse building featuring bars, lounges, restaurants, a spa, gym including a small swimming pool, a 138-seat cinema and ballrooms.

Since the announcement last year that the Grand Prix would leave Silverstone, the move to Donington has been dogged by controversy.

There have been doubts the track would win planning permission, get the necessary funding to carry out the work or simply be ready on time.

However, Mr Gillett said he was determined it would become a reality.

"From a minute after the decision this Thursday, we plan to be out there with our shovels.

"I am very confident everything will be completed in time for the Grand Prix," he said.

Construction work would provide a boost to the industry at a time when jobs are scarce.

Mark Alflat, director of community services at South Derbyshire District Council, said: "The Grand Prix has the potential to attract both visitor spend and inward investment.

"New facilities, along with associated developments, would create substantial construction employment opportunities.

"This would bring investment and highly-skilled employment opportunities to the area."

The application does not include any proposals to improve the surrounding road network.

It is expected these would be worked up at a later date, in conjunction with the county council.

To view the artist's impression, click here: http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk//slideshows