Monday 7 July at 17:54 : If Donington is not ready to host the grand prix in 2010, Britain will fall off the formula one calendar altogether, Bernie Ecclestone has warned.

Some observers have suggested that if the Leicestershire venue cannot fulfil the terms of its new contract by substantially renovating its facility, formula one can always revert back to Silverstone, the event's permanent host since 1987.

"We won't come back," F1 chief executive Ecclestone said at Silverstone on Sunday.

He insists that if Donington runs out of time or money to get up to speed by 2010, he will allocate Britain's annual race slot to a different country.

"I am sure they will be ready but, if not, we will sign with another country. There won't be a British grand prix. Pure and simple," Ecclestone said.