The CEO of Donington Park Simon Gillett today said that the people who matter all believe that the circuit will host the British Grand Prix next year.
The event has been through a saga of problems and issues, the latest being the circuit’s owners’ decision to take Gillett to court for unpaid rent, and the intervention of Business Secretary Lord Mandelson. But Gillett remains optimistic that the 2010 race will go ahead without hiccup.
“We did not take this on thinking we would get government grants, interest-free loans or special favours,” said the Englishman.
“Despite what some say, things are very positive. Lord Mandelson understands we are not looking for free money. We have a viable business plan that can support the level of investment we are looking for. That has never changed.”
Gillett is now looking for major investment to help fund the ambitious redevelopment project he has begun, and is thought to be urging Mandelson to persuade financial institutions of the worthiness of the cause. He acknowledged that there are a number of naysayers, however.
“The best way to fund my business, I’ve found, is to get a pound from everyone who thinks we will not have a grand prix here. I could fund Donington’s rebuild a thousand times over.
“Brits are natural doubters. There are vested interests out there, too. The people who matter in my world, the banks, the research companies, Bernie, all believe this can happen,” he added.
