Bernie Ecclestone Confirms No Donington Formula One Race: Hope for Silverstone

Bernie Ecclestone has confirmed what was plainly obvious to all: There will not be a British Grand Prix at Donington Park in 2010.

What may be considered real news is that Bernie seems to have ratcheted back the anti-British GP and anti-Silverstone rhetoric. At least, we can hope there is some softening.

As F1B has been following, the Donington backers were unable to secure the £135 million it needed to update the facility and put on the race. Attempts to raise the money via a bond sale failed—and they failed spectacularly.

The BBC is among those reporting the news today:

“There’s no Donington,” said Ecclestone at the new Yas Marina track in Abu Dhabi ahead of the final race of 2009.

The proposed move from Silverstone to Donington collapsed because the company redeveloping the circuit failed to show it had the £135m funding required.

[snip]

But Ecclestone says any possible deal is now in the hands of Silverstone to make sure the British Grand Prix goes ahead next year, and beyond.

“We’re talking,” he said. “A deal can be done if they [Silverstone] want to.”

Asked if there was a difference of opinion over the details, Ecclestone added: “There isn’t actually. As far as I’m concerned, no problems."

“Donington have missed the deadline which we kept extending for them.

“It’s unfortunate for them. It was the credit crunch that caused them to be in trouble—because their intentions were good, that’s for sure.”

Again, the Donington deal was clearly dead by this week. But Bernie has now read the eulogy, so to speak.

All eyes now can firmly turn to Silverstone.