Silverstone still plans to upgrade F1 track
In a joint statement, British Racing Drivers' Club president Damon Hill, and Silverstone boss Richard Phillips, said the intention to build a new pit and paddock complex remains the same even after receiving the bad news as the 2008 event kicked off.
They said Bernie Ecclestone's company, Formula One Management, requested the improvements, prompting Silverstone to acquire planning permission.
"We are therefore surprised by today's announcement, given that both FOM and the FIA are well aware of how advanced those plans are."
They wished Donington well but said talks with Ecclestone will continue, as will the plans to "develop Silverstone into one of the top sporting facilities in the world".
"There is no doubt in our minds that if the position changes then Silverstone will still be ready to host the British grand prix beyond 2009," the statement quoted them as saying.