Donington date in doubt

Doubts have been cast over the BTCC’s Donington Park meeting following the news that the Midlands circuit has yet to secure its MSA race licence. Donington Park is currently undergoing an extensive rebuilding process in preparation for the 2010 British GP, and although there have yet to be any changes to the track itself it’s the proximity of these building works to the track that have caused concerns.

Primary problem is a temporary tunnel between McLeans and Coppice built to allow construction traffic to enter the site without crossing the track. The retaining walls for the tunnel have severely reduced the run-off area either side of the track.

Two one-day club meetings took place last weekend but only after a last minute decision by the MSA to issue a temporary licence with the proviso that the area between McLeans and Coppice would be a permanent yellow flag zone.

Whilst both meetings passed without any major incidents it seems unlikely that the MSA would be prepared to issue a further temporary licence for any major meeting, and equally unlikely that any major series would be prepared to race with such restrictions.

Already the MSVR organised meeting for next week has been cancelled, the Britcar event due the first week in May has been moved to Rockingham, whilst the British F3 and GT Championships due to be there at the end of April are expected to announce a change of venue soon.

TouringCarTimes understands that plans are already being drawn up to move next month’s BTCC meeting to another circuit should the licensing problem not be resolved in time. Currently Silverstone is thought to be the preferred option although there is already a BARC club event scheduled there for that weekend.