Donington gets FIM approval

Added on Friday, June 5th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments

Donington Park has got the green light to host the British rounds of the World Superbike and MotoGP championship from the FIM.

The troubled circuit received the Grade A licence that will allow it to host WSB and MotoGP events following an inspection today by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme.

Circuit inspector Claude Danis was satisfied that Donington had met the licensing requirements, with particular focus being made on the reinstatement of the run-off areas at the area close to McLean’s and Coppice corners, which had previously been affected by the installation of a new tunnel in preparation for the circuit hosting Formula One racing in 2010.

Despite a round of the British Superbike championship being hosted at the East Midland’s circuit in April, the FIM had still to grand a licence to host WSB and MotoGP. The decision means the the British round of the World Superbikes championship will go ahead as planned on 26-28 June, less than two weeks after the circuit hosts the Download music festival. The final MotoGP event to be held at the circuit before the move to Silverstone will also go ahead as planned on July 24-26.

Donington has endured a difficult year of late, with reported financial and construction problems putting the circuit and its promoters, Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd, under the spotlight ahead of the 2010 F1 season but today’s news has given circuit CEO Simon Gillett something to cheer.

“This is great news for everybody at Donington Park and all of the fans,” said Gillett. “The ticket sales for both of our world class motorcycle racing events have been extremely positive and we’d like to thank the fans who have remained loyal and believed in us for committing to buying tickets. We have already sold 50 per cent more tickets than we had at this time last year for World Superbikes and the sales of our MotoGP tickets have remained at the same level.”

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