From GMM

Former Formula 1 champion, Briton Damon Hill has sobering news for those who doubt the British grand prix will move from Silverstone after next year's race.

When it was announced that Donington Park is taking over the contract from 2010, some believed the news was just the latest political twist in the skirmish between Bernie Ecclestone and Silverstone's circuit owners, the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC).

Indeed, the BRDC vowed to plough ahead with its plans to redevelop the historic Northamptonshire venue, and the latest rumour is that the entire saga may be a precursor to Ecclestone simply taking over Silverstone and securing the grand prix there himself.

But the official line this week from BRDC president Hill, the 1996 world champion, is that he believes Donington's plans are indeed both real and on track.

Moreover, the British newspaper The Guardian cites sources in reporting that the Donington redevelopment's necessary planning permission, set to be lodged with the local council in the next few weeks, will almost certainly be approved.

Hill said: "As far as we are concerned the British grand prix is moving to Donington in 2010.

"What we now have to do is knuckle down and work to ensure that Silverstone remains a centre of excellence for British motor sport."