Sir Stirling Moss, a great British racing driver of the 50s, is sceptical that Donington will actually take over from Silverstone in 2010 as the new annual host of the British grand prix.

Moss, who is 79, joins a growing number of observers who are uncertain the venue in Leicestershire can find the money to upgrade its facilities in time to fulfil its new contract with formula one authorities.

"I don't think Donington is capable of holding it because it's a tremendous change," he told BBC Northampton.

"Have they even got planning permission yet? I doubt that and to get it done it's very difficult."

The race is currently held at Silverstone, an historic grand prix circuit whose facilities and promoters have long been derided by F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone.

But Moss believes the Northamptonshire venue is more suited to hosting F1.

"Silverstone can cope with it, it's greatly improved. The drivers like it and it's quite exciting there," he said.

Moss fears, however, that if Donington's plans do not materialise, Britain could drop off the calendar altogether.

"I think you'll find that when it comes to it there won't be anywhere else it can go other than to another country," he said.

Source: GMM