World Superbikes will race at Silverstone in 2013

Updated: 24 November 2014

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Silverstone has confirmed that it WILL host this year’s British round of the FIM Superbike World Championship (SBK) on 02-04 August

The announcement follows discussions between the circuit and Dorna regarding the long-term future oftwo-wheel international events at Silverstone, and resulting rumours that the 2013 round may be cancelled.

Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, commented: “In late 2009, when Donington Park’s previous management group went into administration, Silverstone stepped in to support the SBK Championship, agreeing a four-year deal to host the British round of World Superbikes.

Since then we have proudly hosted MotoGPTM, World Superbikes and British Superbikes – the three most prestigious motorcycle racing events in the UK – and have made significant investment to provide bike fans with a fantastic on-event experience. Viewsaround the circuit have been drastically improved, fans can now get much closer to the track and our off-track entertainment creates a real festival atmosphere around the venue.

“Recent speculation suggested it would have been a ‘bitter blow’ for British race fans if this year’s Silverstone round had been cancelled. Well, it is definitely going ahead; tickets are on sale; and hopefully even more fans will vote with their feet and support the British riders, both here at Silverstone and at Donington.”

This year’s event will be the last of the current four-year deal between Silverstone and Dorna. Recent discussions between the two parties touched on the long-term future of World Superbikes at the Northamptonshire venue.

Silverstone has also confirmed that World Superbikes will return to the National Paddock in 2013. Mirroring MotoGPTM, the move will concentrate all the paddock, entertainment, retail stands, manufacturer displays and prime viewing locations into one area, creating an even better experience and atmosphere for fans.

“As with MotoGPTM; until we have the funds to build a bridge or tunnel connecting the outside of thecircuit with The Wing, the National Paddock is a more accessible facility for bike fans and closer to all the off-track entertainment. The move will further improve the overall experience at our two-wheel events,” concluded Phillips.

Tickets for the Silverstone round of the 2013 FIM Superbike World Championship are on sale now via www.silverstone.co.uk.

By Richard Newland

Group Editor - With over 40 years of riding experience and 21 years as a bike journalist, Rich has ridden nearly every new bike of the past two decades and many historical models dating back to the 1930s. He is particularly passionate about sportsbikes from the 1990s and early 2000s, and he loves big bikes that handle well and are suited for long-distance travel. Rich enjoys challenging rides, such as a non-stop 1703.5-mile trip from Land’s End to John O’Groats and back. In his personal collection, Rich owns a 2007 Honda VTR1000 SP-2, a 1998 Ducati 996, a 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750 ‘Slabby’, a 1998 VFR800FiW, and a 1975 Honda CB750 SOHC Dunstall.