Insider Media Limited

Donington Park has been given the green light to host national and international motorsport events after it successfully regained its racing licence. The Leicestershire circuit passed a safety inspection carried out by representatives from the FIA, the world motor racing governing body, and the Motorsport Association (MSA).

The MSA governs all UK tracks.

The track had already been granted an ACU licence, which allows it to run motorbike races, but it will now be able to race cars as well.

It means that Donington Park Racing, the company operating the track, is now able to host a full list of events for the remainder of the year, including the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship race next month.

The granting of the licence comes after an extensive £2m redevelopment programme carried out by Worcestershire-based Adroit Group.

The redevelopment began in May to restore the track after construction work being carried out as part of a failed bid to bring F1 to Donington was halted. Contractors have also reshaped the track’s famous Esses and lengthened the main straight at Goddards Corner.

Kevin Wheatcroft, chairman of Donington Park Racing, said: “Reinstating the MSA and FIA track licence now allows us to develop and implement plans for the future of the circuit and for the Donington Park estate.

“There is still a great deal of work ahead of us but we already have a full line up of races over the next few months. We have an exciting future.”