Donington has its work cut out says McLaren boss

By Alan Baldwin

SILVERSTONE (Reuters) - McLaren boss Ron Dennis warned on Saturday that Donington Park would have its work cut out to replace Silverstone as the British Formula One venue from 2010.

The governing International Automobile Federation (FIA) and Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone announced on Friday that Donington in the East Midlands would host the race under a 10-year agreement.

"We want a British Grand Prix, that's the most important thing," Dennis told reporters after qualifying for Sunday's race at Silverstone.

"I have views about the standards of Silverstone, but if Donington is the place which is designated for us to race in 2010 then I hope that they will be able to achieve the goals that Bernie sets for them.

"The circuit has got to be extended, there's going to be very significant infrastructure problems. You already get several hours of queuing even for the relatively smaller races that take place there," he added.

"It really needs a new spur road from the motorway," continued the Briton who has been a prominent supporter of Silverstone.

"I hope the government realises it has to play a role in that as well and that the circuit is transformed into the vision that Bernie has for the British Grand Prix."

Williams co-owner Patrick Head, whose team took their first Formula One win at Silverstone in 1979, said he was surprised by the switch.