Legal battle threatens British GP ....F1

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oops Edit THIS all ready posted by Arrabbiata1 in donnington dug up.thread

Everything to do with Donnington pk seems fooked up lately


Legal battle threatens British GP
Donington Park

The future of the British Grand Prix at Donington is again in doubt after legal proceedings were issued against the company leasing the track.

Track owners Wheatcroft & Son Limited are seeking £2.47m in rent arrears from Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd (DVLL) as well as forfeiture of the lease.

DVLL, headed by chief executive officer Simon Gillett, secured the 150-year lease in 2007.

The circuit has a 10-year contract to host the race, starting in 2010.

The proceedings against DVLL were started at Derby County Court by lawyers at Browne Jacobson LLP, acting on behalf of the Wheatcrofts, Tom and Kevin.

"It is with great reluctance we have taken this decision," said Kevin Wheatcroft. "Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd owe us nearly £2.5m in rent dating back to September 2008.

"Despite receiving numerous reassurances over a number of months, they have consistently failed to meet their financial obligations under the terms of the lease.

"We have held off taking legal action for as long as possible, but have been left with no choice but to commence proceedings to recover the outstanding rent and forfeiture of the lease."

Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone expressed sadness at the latest developments threatening the British GP.

"I've been saying it for a long time, we (the British) just don't make the effort," said Ecclestone.

The F1 supremo, who is who close friends with Wheatcroft, also admitted that he knew nothing of the details of the impending legal case.

"I don't know what the situation is. I don't know what the details are. Maybe Tom is wrong and the other people are right. Maybe they don't owe that money.

"But I'm not worried. I don't worry about anything to be honest with you."

Donington won the rights to host the British Grand Prix after current hosts Silverstone stalled over signing a new deal and Gillett impressed Ecclestone with his plans for redeveloping the East Midlands venue.

In January this year the green light was given to begin work on a £100m redevelopment to bring the venue up to standard.

However, despite work beginning immediately the track was not granted a safety certificate by the Motor Sports Association, leading to the cancelling of a number of events.

Gillett was also set to confirm plans at the end of March for his debenture scheme, again to raise much-needed funds, but they have been put on hold.

Gillett has claimed the circuit will be ready in time for 2010 but Ecclestone recently stated that if Donington does not meet required standards to host the event there will be no British Grand Prix from next year.

BBC
 
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