MotoGP track planned for Wales
Added on Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments
MotoGP track planned for Wales
MotoGP could be coming to Wales after an ambitious £200m plan was unveiled to construct a motor racing circuit in the South Wales valleys.
According to the BBC, discussions are taking place to create an “automotive centre of excellence” in Ebbw Vale, which could host MotoGP, Word Touring Car and Superbike racing, as well as providing regeneration and jobs to the Blaenau Gwent region.
No planning application has been made yet, but the Welsh Automobile Forum has described the scheme as “credible”, as the developers have “good contacts in the motorsport world”.
Spokesperson Paul Shackson told the BBC: “I can confirm that we are in detailed and very positive discussions with the Welsh government and Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council about delivering a low carbon automotive centre of excellence in Blaenau Gwent.
“It would be of international importance, would transform the region and bring thousands of new jobs.
“Crucially though, it’s not just about a new motor sport facility, there would be a substantial amount of investment in high-tech research and development that would really place south Wales on the map of the UK automotive sector.
“We’re hoping discussions will be concluded fairly soon and we can then reveal full details.”
Blaenau Gwent council said that talks would be taking place with the Welsh government on Monday to discuss the proposal.
“Blaenau Gwent council would welcome any development that brings high-quality jobs and substantial economic benefits to the area as part of our continued efforts to support employment opportunities, encourage inward investment and support the development of the recently announced enterprise zone,” the council said in a statement.
“We are currently in ongoing discussions to look at how we can support this proposal.”
Silverstone in Northamptonshire currently hosts the British round of the MotoGP and World Superbike championships, with the WSB European round also taking place at Donington Park in Leicestershire.
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