Silverstone "extremely keen" to keep MotoGP race

Silverstone says it is “extremely keen” to retain its MotoGP round despite being absent from the draft 2018 calendar.

The Northamptonshire circuit has held the British MotoGP round since 2010, but series promoter Dorna is currently in negotiations with both Silverstone and Donington Park about hosting the ’18 race.

Silverstone Circuit's managing director Stuart Pringle told Motorsport.com: “We love having grand prix motorcycle racing and we’ve worked really had to get Silverstone recognised as a great circuit for motorcycle racing by the bike community.

“We’ve put a real emphasis on the fans’ experience and we’ve been rewarded with loyalty.

“Silverstone’s high-speed characteristics have given MotoGP races that have been fast and frantic. We are extremely keen to keep it.”

Pringle is taking the threat of Donington hosting the race seriously, but believes Silverstone is better-placed than the Leicestershire venue, which was recently taken over by Jonathan Palmer’s MotorSport Vision concern.

“I think Dorna believes we are operationally very good and we’ve had eight years of doing this,” he said. “We haven’t done anything to upset them.

“Donington is a great circuit and it will certainly benefit from MSV’s expertise and investment, but there are certain things that have to happen there for them to host the event.”

Pringle confirmed the negotiations had nothing to do with the future of the Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, which is currently in doubt.

“It is entirely separate,” added Pringle. “But it is consistent in that we will only pay fees that are appropriate and from which we can make a profit.”

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