From GMM

The Times British newspaper has reported that amid all the doubts about the future of the British grand prix, a formula one race in the country is a contractual requirement.

It was already known that certain traditional European races - including in Italy, Belgium, Germany, France and Britain - enjoy protected status with the governing FIA.

With Donington's 2010 date in doubt, current British GP venue Silverstone is therefore "on standby" to host formula one beyond June's race, the newspaper claimed.

An unnamed team boss reportedly said that "the contract demands specifically that (the) five key races are protected as part of formula one's heritage".

"Britain is a key protected race," said Damon Hill, president of the British Racing Drivers' Club, which owns Silverstone.

"Everybody was sceptical about Donington from the start, yet we have funds here to improve our circuit and we are improving all the time.

Meanwhile, racing at embattled Donington Park is back on track, after the 2010 British grand prix venue recently lost its license.

The UK governing body Motor Sport Association rescinded the credential because F1 renovations at Donington reduced run-off at a high-speed section.

But track boss Simon Gillett said at the weekend that planned revisions at the circuit will be inspected formally on Thursday, thus reinstating planned events including the British Touring Car Championship race later this month.


Photo Credit : WRI2