A guide to the Donington Park Circuit

In the 1930s, Donington Park staged the first ever British Grand Prix, famous for the appearance of the mighty Mercedes and Auto Unions. Acquired by motor sport enthusiast and team owner Tom Wheatcroft in the late '70s, Donington has made dramatic progress and is now acknowledged as one of the leading motor sport centres in Europe.

Donington is a circuit of two halves: a very technical series of sweeping bends and undulations, followed by a series of short straights separated by slow corners. There are eight turns consisting of five rights and three lefts as well as two right-hand hairpins and the esses.

The section through Craner Curves and the Old Hairpin is a good place to experience the difference between world class riders and the also-rans, and the Melbourne Hairpin is a favourite for last-minute out-braking action. The lap record of the 2.5mi GP circuit is still held by Ayrton Senna - a possibly unbeatable 1 minute, 18.03 seconds set in April 1993.

The prestigious British Touring Car Championship, British and World Superbikes, GT endurance cars, and thoroughbred Formula 1 cars, are all regular attractions at Donington. Track days are also a big attraction here; this is when the amateur can take his or her car or bike out for a spin.

Access around the track is good, but if you want the good spectator spots, such as Craner Curves, get there first as they do get crowded, even when it's pouring with rain. The grandstand seats are some of the best in the country in terms of track visibility and for an annual fee of £13, members of the Donington Park Supporters Club have their own enclosure and low priced drinks.