BSB: Opening round at Silverstone postponed due to coronavirus pandemic

The opening round of the 2020 British Superbike Championship has become the latest motorsport event to be postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

• Related: Coronavirus and motorbikes – your guide

MSVR, the series promoter and organiser, released statement this afternoon confirming that the first round of the season at Silverstone has been postponed. The official two-day test, due to be held on April 1-2 at the circuit, has also been cancelled. 

“Yesterday (16 March) the UK Government announced further and significant measures designed to suppress the spread of the Coronavirus and limit Covid-19 infections,” the statement reads.

“Following the MCRCB and the ACU’s suspension of all motorcycle circuit racing events until at least the end of April, a decision which will be kept under review as the situation progresses, MSVR can confirm that the forthcoming official test (1/2 April) at Silverstone is cancelled, and the opening round of the 2020 Bennetts British Superbike Championship also at Silverstone (10-12 April), will be postponed until later in the year.

“Series promoter and organiser MSVR is continuing to work closely with teams, circuits, broadcasters and partners to evaluate the constantly-changing situation and will provide further updates when available.”

It is not yet known when the Silverstone round will take place. As the coronavirus outbreak continues to spread across the country, things are changing on a daily basis. As it stands, the opening round of the championship may now take place at Oulton Park on May 1-3, as this was previously listed as round two. 

The delay to the BSB season comes on the same day that the North West 200 was postponed indefinitely. Meanwhile, the Isle of Man TT was cancelled on Monday afternoon.  

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