Currently reading: Bernie: Donington GP hopes fading

Ecclestone doubts that Donington Park will be ready in time to host the 2010 British Grand Prix

Bernie Ecclestone doubts that next year's British grand prix will be held at Donington Park as the circuit continues to struggle with funding issues.

Donington had been given until the end of last week to prove it had the funds to complete its substantial redevelopment of the circuit required to host a Formula One grand prix.

Ecclestone hinted that a decision on the circuit's future and the future of the British GP would be revealed today, with Silverstone waiting in the wings to hold the race could Donington not be ready in time.

"It's not good, is it?" said Ecclestone when asked about the Donington situation. "Even if they get the money, I cannot see how it will all be ready in time to go.

"It is very disappointing because we thought it would happen, but they cannot go on missing deadlines.

"They could still come to us saying they have the money, but there is no way the circuit would be ready at this late stage. It looks as though we will have to start planning again."

Donington has a 17-year contract to hold the British GP, with next year's event provisionally slated in for 9-11 July.

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