The World Touring Car Championship has confirmed that the British round of the series will move from Brands Hatch to Donington Park from 2011.
Brands Hatch had hosted the British round since 2006, taking over from Silverstone which had featured in the 2005 calendar. The championship will now move to Donington Park, which was recently renovated following its failed attempt to host the British Formula 1 Grand Prix.
WTCC organisers have cited logistics as the reason for the switch, with media reports suggesting that hospitality facilities for manufacturers one of the key factors that instigated the change. Donington Park hosted the championship's predecessor, the European Touring Car Championship, between 2002 and 2004. The new deal is a two-year agreement, with the 2011 race taking place on 17th July.
WTCC promoter Marcello Lotti said: “We are very happy with this agreement and we are sure that working in close collaboration we will be able to make the event one of the highlights of the WTCC season. Donington Park is an historical venue for international motor sport and after its recent renovation it offers the level of facilities that our championship needs. Besides this, we have good memories of our previous visits with the European Touring Car Championship.”
Circuit owner Kevin Wheatcroft said: “Getting the British round of WTCC is a real coup, both for the track and the local area. It is a huge event which attracts large crowds and is watched the world over, so we can’t wait to bring it to Donington.”
