APRIL 3, 2009

Licence troubles at Donington Park

Donington Park has had its circuit licence refused by the Motor Sports Association (MSA), because work to improve the circuit had reduced the run-off area where a new tunnel has been built. A temporary licence was granted to allow the MG Car Club Championships and the Historic Sports Car Club Trophy Races to take place this weekend. The tunnel allows access to the area where the new pits will be built but the circuit inspectors reckon that this has created greater risks than previously.

"When it was inspected last week, there were significant issues which have been communicated to Donington Park," said a spokesman for the MSA. "They related to the run-off area between two corners, where the banks go down to the tunnel."

There will need to be significant work to solve the problem.

Donington says that the circuit will be ready for the British GP next year.

There have been rumours in recent weeks about funding with the suggestion being that one of the banks involved has withdrawn its support for the project because of the economic problems.