Donington to be a car free Grand Prix

[TheStig]

Cars will be banned from the 2010 British Grand Prix at Donington.

The irony of having to leave their own four-wheeled vehicles at home in order to see the famous Formula One single seaters will not be lost on race-goers, who must instead use buses or trains to get to the circuit.

During an open day at Donington, which is yet to receive planning permission for renovations, Chief Executive Simon Gillett said F1 spectators will be able to book their transport with their tickets and accommodation.

"This will be the first public transport Grand Prix.
We are not bringing cars here," he is quoted as saying

http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/081127110728.shtml

If i had not had read it i would swear it was one of dares jokes! or April Fools Day?

TheStig

[Steven Roy]

I saw this earlier and thought these clowns really haven't thought about this.  How can you ban motor racing fans from using cars?  It's like banning fire extinguishers at a safety convention.

[Dare]

when you make jokes they have to pertain
tp real life,another nre F1 inovation,I'm
about to give up

[TheStig]

Yes dare,Half the fun is arriving at the event in your'e own car.If they take this away we might as well all stay at home and watch it on television.

TheStig

[John S]

The Donnington organisers have not taken into account the Millenium Dome fiasco, ban cars and the public stays away in droves!

The dome was only accessible by public transport, they did provide park and ride facilities that were hard to get to and expensive, the resulting losses from gate receipts became a public scandal for a while.

I did take the family to the Dome and was impressed by it, I would have gone back a second or third time but the transport difficulties made it unattractive because of the time and expense.

 

[Scott]

I think it's a reflection of the fact that they won't have the infrastructure ready for traffic and parking. 

[Alianora La Canta]

Donington Park is accessible to public transport, except that the last 1.9 miles from the airport to the track has no bus service. (Directgov claims that Castle Donington: Hill Top is opposite Donington Park but then says it takes 18 minutes to walk between the two). I've done a blog entry to explain how it might be possible.

It's worth bearing in mind that Donington Park hasn't got the car parking to cope with lots of spectators coming in and as far as I can see its planning application does not include more car parking (presumably this would have made it harder to get the permission).

[cosworth151]

This is insane! Hold a car event and don't allow cars. Who thought this up? Bernie?

[Steven Roy]

I wonder if these people understand how much stuff people carry into race tracks.  i suppose they have always been on the inside with their own parking places, offices and catering so have no idea of reality.

Even max wouldn't go for this.  It's one thig playing the green card but the FIA can't be seen to suggest cars are not green or inherently cause traffic problems.  That could upset their members a little.