Plans for next year's British Grand Prix are likely to be in doubt later as the deadline passes for Donington Park to raise the money to stage the race.
If it cannot find the more than £100m needed, it will be down to old enemies Bernie Ecclestone and Silverstone's owners to come to a quick deal.
The problem is Silverstone has sensed it is in a strong position and said it is only interested in a long term deal, raising the possibility that if no agreement is reached Britain could have a World Champion driver and team - but no race.
The Chief Executive of the Motorsport Industry Association Chris Aylett told Sky News: "The three-day festival they've staged at Silverstone in the last few years has been hugely successful - one of the best Formula One events in the world.
"Are you really going to tell me that the CVC investors (who have majority control of Formula One) and Bernie Ecclestone working with them are going to walk away from that commercial opportunity? I just can't see it."
Ecclestone has already been softening his comments about Silverstone in recent months, perhaps in case this situation arose.
Outside Donington is a very long planning notice listing the work that needs to be done. It includes an entirely new pit complex, medical and media centre, as well as grandstands and a widened race track.
