Silverstone keeps British MotoGP after agreeing three-year deal

Silverstone will retain its place on the MotoGP calendar after signing a fresh three-year deal to be the home of the British motorcycle grand prix.

The Northamptonshire track's place on next year's schedule had been thrown into doubt when a draft calendar had been released with a 'TBA' next to the British round in September.

Although Silverstone has been a fixture on the MotoGP calendar since 2010, since 2015 it has been acted as a stand-in for the never-completed Circuit of Wales project that had signed a now-void five-year deal with series promoter Dorna.

This meant Silverstone required a fresh contract of its own to continue hosting the race, bringing former MotoGP venue Donington Park into the frame to replace it in case a new deal could not be struck.

It has now been confirmed that Silverstone will remain on the calendar until at least the end of 2020, with next year's scheduled to take place on August 26.

"A lot of time and money has been invested in recent years to ensure MotoGP fans, teams and riders enjoy what Silverstone has to offer and we are delighted to have secured the contract to 2020," said Silverstone managing director Stuart Pringle.

"Two-wheel racing is as much a part of Silverstone's heritage as four wheel racing and we are looking forward to welcoming the Championship and its fans back to Silverstone next August.

Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta added: "Silverstone is an iconic British circuit, so naturally we are pleased to be able to continue racing at this track.

"The United Kingdom is an important market for Dorna and has to remain on the MotoGP calendar, especially with the introduction of the British Talent Cup next year, which we hope will inspire the next generation of young British talent.

"We look forward to giving fans more action over the British Grand Prix weekend and I'm sure fans will be as happy as we are that Silverstone remains on the calendar for the next three years."

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