THE boss of Donington Park says he is looking forward to "handing out the humble pie" to doubters who believe the circuit will not be ready in time for the 2010 F1 British Grand Prix.

A bullish Simon Gillett has answered his detractors, saying that the £100m revamp will be ready for the ultimate motor racing showcase – despite a decision on planning permission being moved back two months.

Mr Gillett said that, if it is given the green light, work will begin in February, with the first phase seeing a tunnel being built underneath the circuit to allow construction vehicles to access the infield and begin building F1 pits and a paddock.

The chief executive of Donington Park Ventures, the firm responsible for managing the track, made his comments at an open day yesterday, aimed at stoking the interest of the business community.

Ever since it was announced in July that the British Grand Prix was moving from Silverstone, there has been disquiet from some racing fans about whether the circuit can be brought up to F1 standards in time.

Among those who believe it will not be ready in time is legendary F1 driver Stirling Moss.

Further doubts were raised after it emerged that the date for planning permission from North West Leicestershire District Council had moved from this month to a provisional date of January 27.

The circuit faces a high price if it is not ready in time.

Earlier this month, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone repeated his threat to wipe the British race from the 2010 calendar altogether if Donington did not deliver.

But Mr Gillett said the circuit would be ready for the race, which usually takes place in early July.

He said: "It was always our intention to start work in February, so the fact that the date for planning permission is in January makes no difference.

"It will be ready on time. Some people think differently – and I am looking forward to handing out the humble pie to them when I'm standing on the grid at the start of the British Grand Prix at Donington Park in 2010."

Mr Gillett says construction will take nine months.

The circuit has set itself a final deadline for all the work to be completed by April 1, 2010.

Mr Gillett said he was unable to talk about the funding of the revamp until planning permission had been granted.

He said: "The whole idea of the open day is to get people interested in what we do here.

"I was thrilled to see 100 business professionals taking the time out to come. The corporate world has a big part to play in Donington's future."

Donington has the contract to hold the British Grand Prix for 10 years.

As part of the contract to host the illustrious race, there will need to be track improvements and temporary grandstands.

Mr Gillett said: "The construction sector is experiencing a tough time at the moment.

"But the revamp will provide work for up to 300 people, and create up to 60 full-time staff when completed."

When the British Grand Prix does take place, it will be the fulfilment of a dream Mr Gillett has held for the past six years.

Mr Gillett, who took over the circuit from Tom Wheatcroft in February 2007, said: "When we took over, it was always my intention to secure the F1 British Grand Prix.

"We've done that and we are still on course to deliver it."