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Silverstone loses MotoGP

Silverstone has lost the contract to host the British Grand Prix of the MotoGP. The event will take place at the Northamptonshire circuit next month. But now a five-year deal has been signed to hold future meetings at the not-yet-built Circuit of Wales, which will be near Ebbw Vale in South Wales.

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Silverstone "disappointed" at loss of MotoGP - but could still host in 2015

The MotoGP British Grand Prix at Silverstone in 2013. Credit: David Davies/PA Wire

Bosses at Silverstone racing circuit said they were disappointed to have lost the MotoGP British Grand Prix - but that extending their contract did not make financial sense.

The circuit said it had invested heavily to develop its site specifically to host both the Moto GP championships and Formula 1 and had helped to make the series a successful event.

But Richard Phillips, managing director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, said it could not come to an agreeing with the Dorna, the event's rights holders.

“We have expressed our desire to keep MotoGPTM at Silverstone, but the event is not sustainable at the fee level Dorna was proposing.

"Any future deal had to make economic sense and sadly we reached an impasse. The Circuit of Wales obviously believes it can make the finances work.”

– Richard Phillips, Silverstone Managing Director.

But the circuit has not rule out hosting the British Grand Prix next year while the event waits for the Circuit of Wales to be completed.

"A venue for 2015 needs to be agreed as soon as possible to avoid having a negative impact on the success of next year’s British Grand Prix.

"Silverstone remains the ideal venue to stage MotoGP.

"Last year’s record crowds are testament to the excellent British Grand Prix experience provided by Silverstone."

– Richard Phillips, Silverstone Managing Director.

MotoGP Grand Prix to leave Silverstone

The 2013 Moto GP British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Credit: David Davies/PA Wire

Silverstone has lost the contract to host the British Grand Prix of the MotoGP.

The event will take place at the Northamptonshire circuit next month.

But now a five-year deal has been signed to hold future meetings at the not-yet-built Circuit of Wales, which will be near Ebbw Vale in South Wales.

It will host its inaugural event in 2016 with MotoGP's official website suggesting next year's British Grand Prix could take place at yet another venue.

Since the beginning of the British motorcycle Grand Prix in 1977, only the courses at Donington and Silverstone have been used.

Silverstone has come to the end of its own five-year deal.

The Circuit of Wales could have its contract extended by a further five years if the deal proves to be a success, meaning Silverstone would have to wait until 2024 to bid again for the event.

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