Bernie issues Donington five-week ultimatum

[John S]

Silverstone have been making noises for the last few weeks about needing to know is they have to prepare for next years British GP and they gave a Bernie a couple of months grace.

Looks like Mr E is finally taking it seriously, We can't lose the home GP so come one everyone involved get your finger out!

Donington has just five weeks to prove to Bernie Ecclestone that preparations are on track to host the British Grand Prix next year, according to F1-Live.

Speculation has dogged the Leicestershire venue since it signed a 17-year contract to take the Formula One race away from Silverstone, but the F1 chief executive at Valencia confirmed that the track has not yet got its finances in place.

"They have got until the end of September to produce a bank guarantee and their contract depends on that. If they don't it's adios amigos," the Briton told the Sunday Express.

A Donington spokesperson said: "We are unable to disclose any information about funding."

Ecclestone has said previously that if Donington cannot deliver, Formula One will remain at its current British home at Silverstone.

The news comes just two days before members of the Silverstone-owning British Racing Drivers' Club vote on a plan to apparently sell the running of the track to a wealthy investor.