Silverstone to host 2010 Brit GP
Added on Tuesday, January 13th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments
Silverstone will take over from Donington as Britain's MotoGP venue.
Silverstone will host the British Motorcycle Grand Prix from 2010 after circuit chiefs agreed a five-year deal with MotoGP promoter Dorna.
The Northamptonshire circuit will take over from Donington Park as the venue for the British round of the MotoGP championship for the first time since 1986 after circuit owners agreed a deal with Dorna until 2015.
The British Racing Driving Club (BRDC) who own Silverstone have been keen to secured a “flagship” event at the circuit having lost the rights to host the Formula One Grand Prix to Donington and have reportedly doubled offer put forward by the popular East Midlands circuit to host the event.
Silverstone had previously hosted MotoGP events between 1977 and 1986 and is a regular stopping point for the British Superbike Championship although the decision is likely to be met with mixed reaction, with spectator sightlines a common criticism of the Silverstone circuit.
Likewise Donington, which will host the 2009 Grand Prix, has often been criticised for poor access on event days as well as below par parking and toilet facilities.
Nevertheless, Silverstone Managing Director Richard Phillips said that the circuit will deliver for motorcycle fans.
“Silverstone is the UK´s premier motor racing venue and we are thoroughly looking forward to hosting the world´s premier motorcycle racing event from 2010,” said Phillips. “We have worked closely with Dorna Sports to bring MotoGP to Silverstone and both parties are extremely excited about the opportunity to take this world-class event to another level.
“Silverstone is a unique UK race circuit; rich in heritage and unrivalled in terms of what we are able to offer fans, championships and teams. The Grand Prix circuit offers a combination of high speed straights and technical corners, presenting a real challenge to the riders, while the facilities for teams and spectators are second to none.
“The circuit is also recognised as being one of the most easily accessible in the world. All of these factors, along with Silverstone´s vast experience of hosting world class international events, contributed to MotoGP coming to Silverstone.´
Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta added: “We are delighted that the MotoGP World Championship is returning to Silverstone as of 2010. The venue has excellent facilities and a circuit with a great heritage, having hosted some superb Grand Prix racing in the 1970s and 1980s. We are sure that MotoGP´s visits to the UK will continue to be highly successful when we make the historic move back to Silverstone next year.”
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