Donington Park s attempts to re-design and rebuild its race track in time for its F1 race in 2010 have today come under attack from a British government watchdog. The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) published a report in which the project was strongly criticised, according to crash.net
The design principles governing the approach to landscape and built form in this project are disappointingly weak, and have resulted in a proposal which falls far short of what the local authority and the nation should be aspiring to in a modern Formula 1 venue,’ the review is reported to say.
The modifications included the addition of an infield loop to extend the length of the track, and the building of a new pit and paddock complex. Earlier in the month the circuit s boss Simon Gillett was ecstatic to have received planning permission for the revisions, but the latest review is likely to be a setback.
Bernie Ecclestone is set to visit the track later in the year and has insinuated that he would be prepared to withdraw Donington s race licence in 2010 if he believes the track will not be ready. The event is unlikely to return to its current home, Silverstone, if Donington’s rights are revoked. Donington’s failure to impress Ecclestone could mean the absence of the British Grand Prix from the calendar in 2010.
