Donington signs 10-year-deal to host British GP from 2010

That’s right folks, you read it here first (unless you already read it somewhere else): The F1 British Grand Prix is moving back to Donington Park!

The news is generally good for British F1 fans, who feared that Wee Bernie Ecclestone would take away their GP altogether, but it couldn’t come at a worse time for the owners of Silverstone, with this year’s British GP just two days away. At least Silverstone has the chance to host the 2009 event, before Donington takes over on a 10-year contract.

As usual, Ecclestone played down the news. In an interview with Five Live reporter Holly Samos, he remained his usual deadpan self:

Holly Samos: “There has been an announcement that the British Grand Prix is moving to Donington.”
Bernie Ecclestone: “Has there?”
Samos: “Yes, in the media centre. What do you think?”
Ecclestone: “The media centre’s a good place to make an announcement.”

Classic Bernie.

In a more serious vein, Ecclestone said of the decision:

“We wanted a world class venue for F1, something teams and fans could be proud of. Donington’s development plans will give us exactly that, a venue to put British motorsport back on the map.”

What do you think of the news? Grid Crasher is excited about the prospect of a return to Donington, but the circuit needs a hell of a lot of work before it’s ready for 2010 - Silverstone is in much better nick right now. The Donington track will also need lengthening for F1 - how will that affect the rival MotoGP event? We’ll see.

To celebrate the news, enjoy the greatest opening lap in F1 history, by Ayrton Senna at… you guessed it… Donington Park, in 1993: