Silverstone promises ‘cheaper and better’ MotoGP experience in 2010

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Just a day after the last British MotoGP round at Donington Park, the 2010 venue Silverstone has promised a cheaper, better day out for race fans next year with a full weekend of entertainment.

Silverstone successfully bid to get the British MotoGP round from 2010 in a deal that will see the track heavily modified to make the Formula One track more suitable for bikes.

The Northamptonshire circuit is investing more than £5 million in a new, super fast bike circuit, with work on a dramatic new section of track and significant improvements to spectator viewing facilities being carried out between November 2009 and March 2010.

According to Silverstone Managing Director, Richard Phillips, the fans’ “experience is everything”, and Silverstone is dedicated to developing a three day festival of motor sport, packed with on and off track entertainment for the legions of fans expected at the UK’s most prestigious bike racing event of the year.

A press release from Silverstone reads:

Silverstone promises a ‘better experience’ for MotoGP fans, at affordable prices
– New circuit layout, with improved spectator viewing
– Three day festival of world class racing and action packed entertainment
– Improved experience for fans, at affordable prices
– Adult tickets start at £12. Race day tickets from as little as £44 (£12 for children*)

Silverstone’s focus is firmly set on delivering the best race experience available to UK bike fans.

Modifications to the track will make Silverstone one of the fastest circuits on the MotoGP calendar, with the new layout increasing the length of the circuit to 2.4 miles.

The riders will now turn right at ‘Abbey’, joining the new section of track, which includes the ‘Arena’ complex and promises multiple overtaking opportunities.

The circuit then links up with the ‘National Straight’ before re-joining the Grand Prix circuit at ‘Brooklands’.

The other significant track change is the removal of the chicane at ‘Woodcote’. With grandstands being moved to accommodate an increased run off area, the riders will now be able to power through ‘Woodcote’ and attack ‘Pits Straight’ at full speed.

Away from the track, Silverstone is making a number of improvements to its spectator viewing areas.

In addition to constructing a number of elevated viewing banks, existing grandstands and fence lines are also being moved to bring fans closer to the on-track action.

OFF TRACK ENTERTAINMENT
Plans for off-track entertainment are being developed to ensure there is plenty to see and do, for fans of all ages, from morning to night.

Live concerts, bike displays, air displays, interactive experiences, manufacturer test rides, entertainment zones, autograph sessions and competitions to win paddock and pit lane walkabouts are all planned over the three days, adding real value to the price of an entry ticket.

The combination of hassle-free access to and from the circuit, free parking in hard standing car parks, dedicated bike parks, excellent spectator facilities, giant TV screens, a wide choice of viewing locations and ticket options, plus two options for official Silverstone campsites (‘lively’ or ‘family’) will also add to the fans’ MotoGP experience at Silverstone.

Bike fans will also be pleased to hear that tickets for Silverstone’s round of the 2010 MotoGP Championship are set to be cheaper than the 2009 race at Donington Park, with prices starting at just £12 (adult ‘Early Bird’ tickets for Practice on Friday).

Race day tickets are also priced extremely competitively, ranging from £44 for an adult ‘Early Bird’ General Admission ticket (£55 after the ‘Early Bird’ offer) to £84 for an adult ‘Early Bird’ covered grandstand ticket in a premium viewing location (£105 after the ‘Early Bird’ offer).

Race day tickets for children are available from as little as £12 (£15 after the ‘Early Bird’ offer). Single day tickets are available for Practice on Friday, Qualifying on Saturday and the big race on Sunday.

TICKET INFORMATION
Three Day tickets, representing fantastic value for money, are also available for next year’s round of MotoGP at Silverstone, with prices starting at £48 for a Three Day adult ‘Early Bird’** General Admission ticket (£60 post the ‘Early Bird’ offer) – just £3 more than a race day ticket.

Three Day adult ‘Early Bird’ covered grandstand tickets, in premium viewing locations, are priced at just £108 (£135 post the ‘Early Bird’ offer). Three Day ‘Early Bird’ tickets for children are available from £16 (£20 after the ‘Early Bird’ offer).

For full details of ticket options for Britain’s round of the 2010 MotoGP Championship at Silverstone, visit: www.silverstone.co.uk.

“We cannot wait to see MotoGP back at Silverstone”, said Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited.

“The series is returning to the Home of British Motor Racing for the first time since 1986 and it’s going to be a fantastic occasion for everyone involved – riders, teams and, most importantly, the fans.

“Silverstone is the UK’s premier motor sport venue and we are continuing to develop it into a world class facility for two and four wheeled racing.

“A further £7 million is being invested before March of next year – more than £5 million of which is being spent on improving the viewing experience for fans, and developing the circuit for MotoGP.

”We’ll have an exciting new circuit; new spectator areas, getting fans closer to the action; and a spectacular line-up of off-track entertainment, including interactive experiences, bike displays and concerts.

“We have an incredible team here at Silverstone, with unrivalled experience of organising world class events, and we’ll be putting on a real show for the fans next year.

“We are confident of delivering a memorable MotoGP experience, at more affordable prices.”

Tickets for Britain’s round of the 2010 MotoGP Championship at Silverstone are on sale 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For further information, up-to-date availability and to purchase tickets please visit www.silverstone.co.uk, or call 08443 750 500.

For information on official hospitality packages, call 08704 588 230.

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Andy Downes

By Andy Downes

Former MCN Senior Reporter