Donington Park – British Road Circuit & 1993 European GP Guide
Originally published September 2016. Last updated September 2026: added labelled circuit map (Wikimedia Commons, with attribution in caption)
Donington Park is a permanent road-racing circuit at Castle Donington in Leicestershire and the first purpose-built motor racing track in the United Kingdom. Opened in 1931 on the Donington Hall estate, it hosted pre-war Grand Prix cars, spent decades as a military depot, and returned as a national and international venue under Tom Wheatcroft from the 1970s.
The track matters because it bridges British inter-war Grand Prix history and modern GT, touring-car, and motorcycle racing. Wheatcroft’s museum collection, the wet 1993 European Grand Prix win for Ayrton Senna, and annual festivals such as Download keep the name alive even without a current Formula One calendar slot.
Fans often compare Donington with the British Grand Prix home at Silverstone and with Ardennes-grade European road courses such as Spa-Francorchamps. For oval contrast on the Continent, see Lausitzring — Donington remains a fast, flowing road course with Redgate, Craner Curves, and the Old Hairpin as its signatures.
Contents
Donington Park circuit facts
| Location | Castle Donington, Leicestershire, England |
|---|---|
| Circuit type | Permanent road course (clockwise) |
| Opened | 1931 (first permanent UK race circuit) |
| Grand Prix layout | 4.020 km, 12 turns (current configuration since 2010) |
| National layout | 3.149 km, 10 turns |
| Main events | British GT, BTCC, World Superbike, Donington Historic Festival, national club championships |
| Notable corners | Redgate, Craner Curves, Old Hairpin, McLeans, Coppice |
| Capacity | About 80,000 on major race days |
| Operator | MSV (Wheatcroft family heritage) |
| Other uses | Download Festival, trade shows, Formula E team testing base |
Lap record note: Ayrton Senna’s 1:18.029 from the 1993 European Grand Prix is the widely quoted Formula One benchmark on the Grand Prix layout. Compare lap times only within the same track configuration and championship year.
Donington Park — Grand Prix layout — Map: Gustavo Girardelli / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
History of Donington Park began before the Second World War
The venue on the Donington Hall estate near Nottingham and Derby opened in 1931. Before the Second World War the 3.5 km layout regularly hosted Grand Prix races dominated by Auto Union “Silver Arrows”, Alfa Romeos, and Bugattis, driven by legends such as Tazio Nuvolari and Bernd Rosemeyer. When war began in 1939, Donington Park became a Ministry of Defence military vehicle depot.
Start of a race at Donington Park in 1937
Grand Prix collection at Donington Park
After the war Donington was almost forgotten despite several revival attempts. In 1971 local businessman and racing enthusiast Tom Wheatcroft bought the venue to restore racing in the East Midlands scenery.
Part of the Grand Prix Collection
Over the years Wheatcroft acquired racing cars from around the world. The collection became the Donington Grand Prix Exhibition — still expanding, with more than 130 exhibits and a worldwide reputation among historic motorsport fans.
1993 European Grand Prix at Donington Park
Wheatcroft’s renovation produced a 3.149 km track ready in 1977. Motorcycle Grands Prix, BTCC, club racing, and exhibitions followed. In 1993 Formula One visited for the European Grand Prix, and Senna’s wet-weather drive from fifth on the grid is still cited as one of the sport’s greatest opening laps.
1993 Formula 1 European Grand Prix at Donington Park
Another revival after the failed British Grand Prix bid
Between 2007 and 2009 Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd owned the circuit and pursued a British Grand Prix relocation that collapsed into administration. The Wheatcroft family regained control, securing Donington’s place in British racing heritage.
Formula E testing at Donington Park
Two layouts and a full pit complex
The current clockwise Grand Prix circuit, finalised in 2010, measures 4.020 km with 12 turns. The National Circuit at 3.149 km and 10 turns hosts most national series. The pit lane includes 38 garages, and major events can draw roughly 80,000 spectators even with only two permanent grandstands.
British GT, BTCC, and Download
Today British GT, BTCC, World Superbike, and the Donington Historic Festival anchor the calendar. Formula E maintains a operational base at the circuit for pre-season testing, and WTCC visited in 2011.
BTCC race at Donington Park
Donington is almost as famous as a concert venue. Since the 1980s major bands have played the infield, including the long-running Download Festival. A large Sunday market and exhibition space add non-racing reasons to visit.
Download Festival at Donington Park
Getting there and accommodation
Central England location puts Donington within easy reach of the Midlands and the North. East Midlands Airport sits minutes from the gates, with rail links through East Midlands Parkway.
Donington Park
Hotels, guest houses, and lodges surround Castle Donington for race and festival weekends.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about Donington Park
Where is Donington Park circuit?
Donington Park sits at Castle Donington in Leicestershire, England, close to East Midlands Airport and within easy reach of Nottingham and Derby.
When did Donington Park open?
The circuit opened in 1931 as Britain’s first purpose-built permanent race track. Pre-war Grand Prix cars raced here before the site became a military depot during the Second World War.
How long is the Donington Park track?
The current Grand Prix layout is 4.020 km (12 turns). The shorter National Circuit is 3.149 km (10 turns) and hosts many club and national series.
Did Formula One race at Donington Park?
Yes, once. Donington hosted the 1993 European Grand Prix, won by Ayrton Senna in wet conditions. Formula One has not returned since the failed British Grand Prix relocation plan in the late 2000s.
What is Donington Park famous for?
Pre-war Grand Prix history, Tom Wheatcroft’s Grand Prix Collection museum, the 1993 Senna drive, and modern British GT, BTCC, and World Superbike rounds. The venue also hosts major music festivals such as Download.
Who owns Donington Park today?
The Wheatcroft family regained control after Donington Ventures Leisure entered administration in 2009. The circuit now operates within the MSV group portfolio while retaining its museum and festival calendar.
What races are held at Donington Park now?
Regular fixtures include British GT, BTCC, World Superbike, the Donington Historic Festival, and national club championships. Formula E teams also use the paddock for testing.
What is the Donington Park lap record?
Ayrton Senna’s 1:18.029 from the 1993 European Grand Prix remains the widely quoted Formula One benchmark on the Grand Prix layout. Compare lap times only within the same configuration and series rules.
Can you visit Donington Park museum?
Yes. The Donington Grand Prix Exhibition displays more than 130 historic racing cars. Opening days vary with events; check the official site before travelling.
How do you get to Donington Park?
East Midlands Airport (EMA) is minutes from the circuit. The M1 and A42 provide road access, and East Midlands Parkway station connects to London St Pancras. Full details are at donington-park.co.uk.
Related reading
- Brands Hatch — Kent road and Indy layouts
- Croft Circuit — North East England club racing
- Knockhill Racing Circuit — Scotland’s national track
- Goodwood Circuit — historic British motorsport
Address: Donington Park, Castle Donington, Derby DE74 2RP, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1332 810048
Official website: donington-park.co.uk