Silverstone takes Donington Park slot

Silverstone secures the triple of MotoGP, WSBK and BSB in 2010
Biaggi, Race start, British WSBK Race 2 2009
Biaggi, Race start, British WSBK Race 2 2009
© Gold and Goose

Silverstone will host a round of the World Superbike Championship for the first time in three years after stepping in to take the place of the financially troubled Donington Park on the calendar.

With Formula 1 and British Superbikes having already pulled Donington Park from its calendar in light of its ongoing issues, World Superbikes are the latest to do the same, with Silverstone subsequently agreeing to take its place.

The move means Silverstone will host the British round of MotoGP and World Superbikes, as well as welcome the British Superbike Championship for a full house of high-profile two-wheeled events.

The Silverstone round is scheduled to take place between 30th July - 1st August, the same date originally earmarked for Donington Park, with ticketing details to be announced in due course.

The announcement confirms speculation that Donington Park would lose the rights to hold the sole British World Superbike Championship round having drifted into financial hardship since securing the contract to host the Formula 1 British Grand Prix from 2010.

It will come as welcome news to British fans too, particularly given the number of British riders on the grid in 2010, with James Toseland and Leon Haslam among the seven that are anticipated to start the season.

Like MotoGP, the event will also be held around a new configuration of the Silverstone circuit, known as the Arena Grand Prix layout, with modifications set to include a new section of track running from Abbey corner up to the 'Arena complex', promising multiple overtaking opportunities. The circuit then links up with the 'National Straight' before re-joining the original Grand Prix circuit at 'Brooklands'.

"We are delighted that World Superbikes will be back at Silverstone this year," commented Silverstone managing director Richard Philips. "There was a very real risk that Britain wouldn't have a round of the Superbike World Championship in 2010.

"With seven of Britain's best riders racing in this year's championship, it would have been a travesty if they hadn't had a home race, and a home crowd, to perform in front of. We are thrilled that Silverstone has been able to step in and keep the race on the 2010 calendar.

"Silverstone is embracing the biking community. We have already demonstrated our commitment to motorcycle racing by investing more than ?5 million in a new super-fast circuit and improved spectator facilities.

"We were already looking forward to seeing MotoGP and British Superbikes on the new Arena Grand Prix circuit in 2010, so to add World Superbikes to that list is fantastic."

Infront Motor Sports Paolo Flammini was also pleased to come into an agreement with Silverstone, adding that the situation with Donington Park had forced them into action.

"Following all the problems with Donington and the uncertainty that has been created over the last few months, we are now very satisfied to have reached an important agreement with Silverstone Circuit to host the British round of the Championship. This agreement confirms the excellent relationship existing between our Group and Silverstone Circuit and we hope it will be the first step of a new long-term relationship."

Silverstone hosted a round of the World Superbike Championship between 2002 and 2007 alongside Brands Hatch and Donington Park.

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