Lee Gill has resigned as chief operation officer of Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd, the group which owns the operating rights to Donington Park, the future venue of the British grand prix.

Donington was announced as the new home of the British grand prix just days ahead of the Silverstone race this year.

Planning application for the changes needed for the 2010 race was due to be submitted to the North West Leicestershire District Council on Friday.

Four months of consultation will then take place before the council makes a decision.

The track's chief executive Simon Gillet told a meeting of the Donington Parish Council on Thursday that the venue will be ready for formula one in 2010.

"The reason I invested in the track was not to make it the best in the UK or Europe but in the world," he said.

Regarding the news of Gill's departure, spokesman Dave Fern told us that the circuit is "now moving forward under the leadership of Simon Gillett", adding that "the departure of Mr Gill will have no impact on the grand prix".

Source: GMM