Silverstone confirm five year MotoGP contract

As reported on motorcyclenews.com yesterday Silverstone will host the British round of the MotoGP championship from 2010.

The Northamptonshire circuit most famous for hosting Formula One has confirmed that it will make wide reaching changes to the Silverstone circuit layout and spectating facilities in time for its first race next year.

The news comes as a major blow to Donington Park owners who have just been granted planning consent for their multi million pound development as part of a ten year deal to run F1.

MCN first reported that Silverstone were bidding for the rights to host the prestigious event back in June 2008 and understands that Silverstone out bid Donington with GP bosses Dorna opting to move the event after 22 years at Donington Park.

Silverstone managing director Richard Phillips said:

“We are thoroughly looking forward to hosting the world’s premier motorcycle racing event from 2010. 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.”

MotoGP boss 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.”

For full interviews and reaction on Silverstone’s five year contract see MCN out Wednesday 14th January.