Donington not interested in hosting British GP

©WRI2

With the future of the British GP in doubt beyond 2019 following the BRDC's reluctance to continue footing the bill for the event at Silverstone, other alternatives are envisaged.

But Donington has already stated that it currently has no interest in taking over the showcase event if Silverstone pulls the plug.

Donington was the venue of choice for the 1993 European Grand Prix and put itself in line to host the race at the end of the last decade, but ultimately fell out with Bernie Ecclestone and FOM.

"We've no interest in hosting modern, high-speed single-seaters because we'd have to completely change Donington Park," said the track's managing director Christopher Tate.

"We've set a very clear target of keeping the trace of the circuit as it is."

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Tate emphasized the current unfavorable economics associated with running a Formula 1 event, although he believed that F1's new owner, Liberty Media, could possibly introduce changes to the model offered to race promoters.

" The business model makes no sense to anyone and all the messing around with the F1 calendar has a terrible impact on the rest of motorsport," added Tate.

"Hopefully there will be a totally different business model and Liberty has made all the right noises about heritage events [such as the British GP].

"I do think the new owners will understand where it all fits in because they are media savvy. It can't continue on the basis it is."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.