D'après GMM
Silverstone launched the first phase of the new 'Arena' section, while Donington invests to restore the track by August.
Silverstone has admitted to stretching its financial abilities "further than ever before" to pay for its circuit changes.
The Northamptonshire venue's new 760 metre 'Arena' section was launched on Thursday, and for the 2011 race the start-finish line and pit and paddock complex will be moved to the straight after Club corner.
It is believed the new facilities are a requirement of the new 17-year grand prix contract, and BRDC chairman Damon Hill admits the financial cost is a risk to the circuit owners.
Asked if Silverstone's coffers are now stretched to the limit, the 1996 world champion answered: "Not to the absolute limit, but certainly stretching further than has been stretched before.
"I think it's a necessary risk. The alternative was very possibly that the British grand prix would have gone off the calendar."
Damon Hill talked up the talents of Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton at Thursday's event, admitting that Silverstone is now relying on Britain's "tradition for producing world class drivers who will eventually drive people through the gate".
Regarding Donington Park, owners aim to reopen the beleaguered circuit in August.
The track is currently unusable, after renovations for the financially failed bid by former leaseholder Simon Gillett to host the British grand prix ceased.
Owner Kevin Wheatcroft said on Thursday that plans to repair and restore Donington are being finalised, but insiders estimate the cost at between 600,000 and 1 million pounds.
Wheatcroft said in a statement that he is confident "the new improved race track can be reopened, subject to obtaining the necessary racing licences, during August 2010".
Silverstone launched the first phase of the new 'Arena' section, while Donington invests to restore the track by August.
Silverstone has admitted to stretching its financial abilities "further than ever before" to pay for its circuit changes.
The Northamptonshire venue's new 760 metre 'Arena' section was launched on Thursday, and for the 2011 race the start-finish line and pit and paddock complex will be moved to the straight after Club corner.
It is believed the new facilities are a requirement of the new 17-year grand prix contract, and BRDC chairman Damon Hill admits the financial cost is a risk to the circuit owners.
Asked if Silverstone's coffers are now stretched to the limit, the 1996 world champion answered: "Not to the absolute limit, but certainly stretching further than has been stretched before.
"I think it's a necessary risk. The alternative was very possibly that the British grand prix would have gone off the calendar."
Damon Hill talked up the talents of Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton at Thursday's event, admitting that Silverstone is now relying on Britain's "tradition for producing world class drivers who will eventually drive people through the gate".
Regarding Donington Park, owners aim to reopen the beleaguered circuit in August.
The track is currently unusable, after renovations for the financially failed bid by former leaseholder Simon Gillett to host the British grand prix ceased.
Owner Kevin Wheatcroft said on Thursday that plans to repair and restore Donington are being finalised, but insiders estimate the cost at between 600,000 and 1 million pounds.
Wheatcroft said in a statement that he is confident "the new improved race track can be reopened, subject to obtaining the necessary racing licences, during August 2010".