GrandPrix dot com puts in a word in support for the Donington Park GP today, pointing out that most of the doubt regarding Simon Gillett's plan emanates from the media. Other quarters are quite optimistic, apparently, and the article suggests that we remember that everything has run according to schedule so far before being too critical.
Ayrton Senna at Donington 1993
I have had little to say on the subject except that I remain doubtful regarding the finances of the operation. In all other respects, I will be very happy if Donington is ready to host the British GP next year - and yes, I remember the race in 1993 and Ayrton Senna's demonstration of complete superiority on a damp track. It is a good circuit and the planned alterations should make it even better.
The problem is that paying for the new track and facilities has always looked beyond the resources of the owners. Their debenture scheme seems pie-in-the-sky, especially in the midst of a recession, and the rumors regarding financial problems continue to get stronger. F1-Live is currently running a story alleging that both Lee Gill and Tom Wheatcroft are suing Gillett for unpaid debts.
Of course, it is the media, so perhaps I should ignore this. The fact that it is based on a reading of Donington's accounts for 2007 does give it credence, however; the operating company is in debt to the tune of millions it is claimed.
Who are we to believe? Max and Bernie may be upbeat about the scheme but they do have vested interests, having brought to an end F1's relationship with Silverstone. Max needs the British GP to continue because the fans are already bemoaning the loss of F1's classic races, but Bernie could not actually care less, convinced as he is that some Asian race can be slotted in if the Donington GP proves impossible. The planning authorities, having put their seal of approval on the scheme, are bound to want it to succeed.
It is true that initial resistance to the plan was the result of disappointment at the loss of Silverstone. For over fifty years the Northamptonshire circuit has hosted the GP and it is not easy to wave goodbye to such tradition and history. But I think most are over that now - there was never anything we could do about it anyway, given Bernie's determination to be rid of its awkward owners, the BRDC.
In fact, the vast majority of F1 fans are in favor of Donington meeting its commitments; they are all aware that, if Gillett does not get the race up and running, there will be no British GP at all. Donington receives a lot of goodwill as a result and it is a shame that better answers are not given to the financial questions asked. If there were no reason to doubt, surely Gillett would have set our minds at rest by now?
Well, Mr Gillett says that he will tell us about the finances next month. Hopefully, this will prove how wrong the media's criticisms have been and we can look foward to a great British GP in 2010. I must admit that I will not be holding my breath, however.