A proposed £100m plan to turn Donington Park into a F1-standard circuit tonight got the go-ahead from planners at a special meeting of Leicestershire District Council.

Included in the scheme are new pits and paddock, six grandstands for upwards of 70,000 spectators, a new media centre and re-modelling the track to bring it up to F1 safety standards.
The Parkland circuit faces massive re-development in preparation for the British Formula One Grand Prix that will be staged at the circuit in 2010. An agreement was signed between Donington Park Leisure and the FIA in July to stage the British Grand Prix for ten years, starting in 2010.

"The submission of these plans heralds the start of a massive re-development project and a new era for Donington Park. It's an incredibly exciting time for everybody involved," explained the circuit's Chief Executive Officer Simon Gillett. "We are delighted with the plans and when the work is completed we will have a facility that will be the pride of World Championship motorsport."

The track's best-loved corners, Redgate, Craner Curves and the Old Hairpin, will remain while Coppice and the Melbourne Loop will be re-aligned along with the Wheatcroft Straight. Click here to download track map