Located in Leicestershire near Castle Donington, Donington Park is one of Britain’s most historic and best-loved permanent racing circuits.
First opened in the early 1930s, Donington was the first permanent park circuit in England and quickly became famous for hosting pre-war Grand Prix racing, including visits from the mighty German Silver Arrows. After falling silent during the Second World War, the circuit was revived in the 1970s and went on to become a major home of British motorsport, staging touring cars, superbikes, endurance racing and, on one unforgettable occasion, Formula One.
Though it only hosted a single Formula One World Championship race, Donington Park remains one of the most iconic venues in UK motorsport history thanks to its flowing layout, dramatic natural setting and Ayrton Senna’s legendary wet-weather masterclass in 1993.
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Donington Park
| First Grand Prix | 1993 European Grand Prix |
| Number of Laps | 76 |
| Circuit Length | 4.020 km |
| Race Distance | 305.520 km |
| Lap Record | 1:18.029 Ayrton Senna (1993) |
Circuit
When was Donington Park built?
Donington Park first opened in 1931, created from the roads of the Donington Hall estate in Leicestershire.
The circuit was the idea of Fred Craner, a former motorcycle racer and local garage owner, who persuaded the estate owner, John Gillies Shields, to allow racing on the park roads. The first motorcycle race took place on 25 May 1931, and the venue soon developed into one of Britain’s most important pre-war racing circuits.
By 1933, the original estate roads had been widened and sealed, and Donington began hosting car races. In the late 1930s, the circuit became famous for staging Grands Prix won by drivers such as Bernd Rosemeyer and Tazio Nuvolari, with the German Silver Arrows battling on British soil.
The circuit closed in 1940 during the Second World War and was used as a military vehicle depot. It remained dormant for decades before being bought and revived by businessman Tom Wheatcroft in the 1970s. Racing returned in 1977, beginning a new era for Donington Park.
What makes Donington Park special?
Donington Park is renowned for its natural-flowing layout and old-school character.
Rather than relying on stop-start corners, the track features fast, sweeping sections that reward commitment and precision. The circuit runs through parkland and makes strong use of the natural topography, with corners such as Craner Curves, Old Hairpin, McLeans and Coppice creating one of the most satisfying sequences in British motorsport.
The shorter National Circuit was the main layout for many years, but in 1985 the Melbourne Loop was added to create the longer Grand Prix Circuit, allowing Donington to host top-level motorcycle racing and later its only Formula One event.
Donington’s atmosphere is also part of its appeal. The circuit combines a strong sense of history with close spectator views, and for many fans it remains one of the most scenic and enjoyable venues in the UK.
When was the first European Grand Prix at Donington Park?
Donington Park hosted its only Formula One World Championship race on 11 April 1993, when it staged the European Grand Prix.
That race became instantly legendary. In heavy rain, Ayrton Senna produced one of the greatest opening laps in Formula One history, climbing from fifth to first on the first lap before dominating the race for McLaren. He eventually won by over a minute from Damon Hill.
Senna’s performance is still widely regarded as one of the finest drives the sport has ever seen, and it permanently secured Donington’s place in Formula One folklore.
There were later plans for Donington to host the British Grand Prix from 2010 onward, but the project collapsed during the financial crisis, and the race remained at Silverstone.
What happened to Donington Park after Formula One?
Although Formula One never returned, Donington Park continued to thrive as a major motorsport venue.
The circuit became especially important in motorcycle racing, hosting the British motorcycle Grand Prix from 1987 to 2009 and the World Superbike Championship on numerous occasions. It has also long been a staple of the British Touring Car Championship, British GT and British Superbike Championship calendars.
The venue went through a difficult period after an unsuccessful attempt to secure Formula One permanently, but it was restored and modernised during the 2010s. Since 2017, it has been operated by MotorSport Vision, which has invested heavily in facilities and infrastructure.
Donington Park lap record
The official Formula One race lap record on the modern Grand Prix circuit is 1:18.029, set by Ayrton Senna driving the McLaren MP4/8 during the 1993 European Grand Prix.
Even with only one Formula One World Championship event to its name, Donington Park remains one of Britain’s great racing circuits — a venue rich in pre-war history, beloved by riders and drivers alike, and forever linked to one of Formula One’s most famous victories.
