Donington plans packed 2011 racing programme

Donington Park is back and has a packed programme for 2011 headlined by major motorcycle racing events including a round of the World Superbike championship, an Eight Hour World Endurance round, and the first round of the BSB Shootout.

The calendar, including other bike meetings, historic arcing and car events, is aimed at putting Donington back on the map after the recent difficulties.  

Tickets are already on sale for the World Superbikes meeting, which takes place from March 25 to 27, kicking off what Kevin Wheatcroft, Chairman of track operators Donington Park Racing Ltd, believes will be one of the best seasons in the circuit’s history.

He said: “We are delighted to be able to present such an exciting line up of events for next year and my thanks must go to our team and, in particular, our race director, Robert Fearnall, for his extraordinary efforts in putting such an exciting calendar together.

“Donington has always been a circuit where fans can watch top flight motor sport action one week and enjoy vintage car racing the next and we have made sure that continues in 2011.

“There is still a lot of work to do, but we took over the running of the track this year determined to put Donington back to its rightful place at the pinnacle of UK motor sport and this calendar proves that we have achieved that aim.”

One Donington fan who is already looking forward to next year is World Superbike rider Sylvain Guintoli, who can’t wait to tackle the circuit’s famous curves in March.
Although French-born, Sylvain lives in Leicestershire and Donington is his local track. He is also looking to banish memories of a crash at the circuit in 2009, which left him with a badly broken leg.

Sylvain, who will race in the colours of newly formed Liberty Ducati team next season, said: “Donington has always been one of my favourite tracks and I’ve always loved going there. It’s one of the best motorbike circuits in the UK and I really want to do well there after what happened last time.

“Although it has been altered slightly, the majority of the circuit hasn’t changed. The best bits, like the downhill section, are still there, so I am really looking forward to trying it out again.”
 
Donington’s major motorcycle events 2011

March
FIM Superbike World Championship Fri/Sat/Sun March 25/26/27

April
Thundersport GB Donington Superbike Masters Sat/Sun April 9/10

May
Donington Classic Motorcycle Revival Mon May 2

August
FIM World Endurance Championship Sat/Sun August 20/21

September
British Superbike Championship Sat/Sun September 10/11

October
Thundersport GB Motorcycle Championship Finals Sat/Sun October 22/23

The full 2011 calendar and details of tickets for the World Superbikes are available by visiting www.donington-park.co.uk