During the 2008 season it was announced that the British Grand Prix will be moving from Silverstone to Donington after next season. However, this week the plans came into doubt as the local district council aired concerns about the environmental impact of the renovations, which include extensions to the track itself.

The British Grand Prix is currently set to return to its former home in Donington in a 10-year contract - the track previously hosted the British Grand Prix up until 1987. This move replaces fans’ favourite Silverstone, which, just like Magny Cours and Montreal, couldn’t afford the cost of Formula 1.

The standard of facilities expected at each Grand Prix is a controversial issue in F1, as there is no consistent benchmark for what each track needs. For example, Sao Paolo in Brazil is classed as one of the best races on the circuit yet its facilities are modest at best, whilst new tracks like Valencia may have all the facilities but when it comes down to race day, the on-track excitement doesn’t quite live up to expectations.

Donington’s fate will now wait until after the New Year, when the council will make a decision. Worryingly, with a deadline set for April 2010, this would give just 14 months for organisers to carry out improvements. And to add to the problems, Bernie Ecclestone stated with very little hesitation that the British race could be removed from the 2010 calendar altogether if the work is not complete.

This isn’t good news for Formula 1 in the UK, which looks set to rise in popularity from next year onwards, mostly thanks to home-grown Lewis Hamilton. In fact, since the world champion’s maiden title win, ticket sales for the final race at Silverstone in 2009 have sky-rocketed.

Donington still has a long way to go before 2010, undergoing millions of pounds worth of redevelopment before F1 arrives at its door. Let’s hope some of this £38 million pound spend will include enough for an extra pair of hands or two!