Tom Wheatcroft, owner of Donington Park race circuit, has passed away aged 87, after a long battle with illness.

Wheatcroft revitalised Donington in the early 1970s, after the venue had closed during World War II, injecting much-needed cash, which he had acquired through lucrative business in the construction industry, into the site.

The circuit was re-opened in 1977 and the Melbourne Loop was added in 1985 to enable the venue to host the British motorcycle Grand Prix.

Wheatcroft also created the Donington Grand Prix Experience to host his collection of F1 cars. One of the highlights of this collection was the McLaren MP4/8 that Ayrton Senna used for one of his best ever F1 wins in the 1993 European Grand Prix.

That race was the realisation of a dream for Wheatcroft, as the F1 enthusiast had strived to get the sport to Donington.

McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh paid tribute to one of the most respected people in British motorsport.

"The term 'legend' is maybe used a little too liberally in the world of sport, but without doubt it is justified in the case of Tom Wheatcroft," he said to the Press Association. "A tank driver as a young man during World War Two, he was a larger-than-life character and an always-engaging conversationalist, but he was also an able and successful businessman who contributed a lot more than many people perhaps appreciate to the story of motorsport in Britain.

"He will, of course, be very much missed. So, on behalf of all at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, I would like to convey to his large family and his many friends our sincere condolences at this very sad time."