Clear Channel Entertainments underline their long term commitment to both sport and circuit

Donington Park, the Leicestershire parkland grand prix circuit, is to undergo a radical improvement to modernise its facilities to 21st century specifications later this year – the entire pit-garage, race control and media centre complex are to be replaced.

This latest phase in the ongoing works at the circuit follows on from the total resurfacing of the track, a year ago; the upgrading of hospitality suites at Redgate, together with the current installation of further kerbing and gravel beds and represents an investment of over £5million by the circuit leasees, Clear Channel Entertainments.

The circuit, which has hosted the British Motorcycle Grand Prix on an annual basis since 1987 has the contract to stage the event through until 2009 and these radical improvements are geared to the needs of the world’s leading competitors.

The current buildings have become outmoded, with Donington Park's Managing Director Brian Pallett commenting: "Our current facilities are no longer suitable for staging major events, a situation that Clear Channel have reacted positively to, underlining their commitment to the sport and to the circuit for which they hold the lease until 2021."

The works on the buildings are scheduled to start in October, after the completion of the 2005 racing season, with the clearance of the site and the building of a 38 garage pit-complex with race control, timekeeping, administration offices and media work room on the first floor, with a commentary box on the second floor.

The existing Paddock Suite will be doubled in size and completely re-fitted, providing a spacious working room for the International media at the grand prix, and also a well equipped conference centre boasting improved sound insulation.

Completing the new-look for Donington Park will be the installation of services and the resurfacing of the paddock area. "These exciting plans, which have been designed in conjunction with Dorna, the rights holders of the World MotoGP, are currently with Tom Wheatcroft, the landlord of the site, for formal approvals and will be submitted to the North West Leicestershire District Council planning department shortly," added Mr. Pallett.

All of the works will be completed prior to the start of the 2006 season.