After 22 years, Donington Park has lost the rights to host the British Gran Prix to Silverstone.
Having hosted MotoGP between 1977 and 1986, Motogp will be returning to Silverstone in 2010.
Silverstone Circuits Limited has signed a five year agreement with Dorna Sports, the commercial and television rights holder for MotoGP, which will see the Northamptonshire circuit host the British Grand Prix from 2010.
Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited commented,”Silverstone is the UK’s premier motor racing venue and 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.
Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta stated: “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.
”Donington Park will continue to host the WSBK up to and including 2011.
Here’s one of the most memorable MotoGP races at Silverstone, the battle of 1979 between Kenny Roberts and Barry Sheene :