Donington Park to host 2015 British Motorcycle Grand Prix
Donington Park has been elected by the Circuit of Wales and Dorna Sports as the alternative venue for the British Motorcycle Grand Prix for the 2015 event.
Whilst the Circuit of Wales is scheduled to host the British Motorcycle Grand Prix until 2024 after agreeing a five-year contract with the option for further five year extension with the Championship’s commercial rights holders, it has been decided that the series would return to the Leicestershire venue next year, before moving to the new Circuit of Wales in 2016.
“After announcing the long-term MotoGP agreement between Dorna and the Circuit of Wales three weeks ago our priority has been to agree the venue for 2015,” explained Chris Herring of the Circuit of Wales. Herring added: “It is in the interests of everyone, especially the fans, to make a decision as soon as possible and in Donington Park we have a venue that shares our vision for growing MotoGP in the UK.”
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta commented: “The Circuit of Wales has worked very quickly to secure the best deal for the British race fans and we believe Donington Park will deliver a fantastic race in 2015. ” Ezpeleta continued, “Donington Park has a long history and has been the scene of some of the most exciting MotoGP races in recent years and we are sure that the extensive works undertaken since it reopened four years ago will guarantee a successful event.”
The date for the 2015 British FIM MotoGP™ World Championship round is expected to be announced later this month.
Donington Park had previously been the home of MotoGP™ for 23 years, hosting it from 1987 to 2009.
More, from a press release issued by Silverstone Circuit:
Silverstone unable to reach agreement with Circuit of Wales to host MotoGP
Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, said: “We have invested heavily in the circuit and facilities here at Silverstone, specifically to host MotoGP, and have developed the British Grand Prix into a highly successful event. We wanted to keep MotoGP™ at Silverstone, but cannot afford to subsidise it. We are extremely disappointed not to be hosting the event in 2015.
“Any future deal, with Dorna or The Circuit of Wales, had to make economic sense for all parties, including us. We know from experience what it takes to run a high quality British Grand Prix. We made what we considered to be the maximum sensible offer to retain the event at Silverstone, but it seems that The Circuit of Wales, who have no experience of running a Grand Prix, have concluded they can do better running it themselves, using Donington until their circuit is ready.
“Silverstone has taken the event to a whole new level over the last five years, so we hope this won’t turn out to be a backwards step for the British Grand Prix, teams and fans. The Circuit of Wales evidently believe they can make the finances work using Donington next year – we wish them the best of luck.”