Donington firm rejects race fears

Donington has a 10-year contract to host the British Grand Prix

The group running Donington Park has commented for the first time since the track's owners started legal action.

Wheatcroft & Son Limited is seeking £2.47m in rent arrears from Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd (DVLL).

The action has raised concerns over the British Formula 1 Grand Prix, due to be hosted at Donington from 2010.

In a statement, DVLL chief executive Simon Gillette said his staff were "bending over backwards" to ensure racing took place at the track.

Proceedings against DVLL by Wheatcroft & Son Limited were started at Derby County Court on 23 April.

Race agreement

Since then, North West Leicestershire District Council has confirmed it is to review its planning permission for the £100m redevelopment of the track.

In the statement, Mr Gillette said: "I understand that seeds of doubt may have started to set in among fans and competitors as a result of our silence to date, but we are not in the business of raising false hopes and we are only happy to speak publicly about agreed facts.

"However, it's disappointing that race fans were being given the impression that Donington Park is putting British motorsport in jeopardy, because nothing could be further from the truth.

"In fact, we are bending over backwards to ensure that safe racing is on track at Donington Park as quickly as possible."

He added that an agreement had been reached with the Motor Sports Association to hold two events later in May, subject to final inspections.