No British GP at Donington this year Now - Also Circuit of wales Deal is off Expect imminent announcement from Silverstone Tweet from Matthew Birt So if any of you have tickets booked I would check now whats going on
LONDON, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Donington Park has pulled out of hosting this year's British MotoGP round after the Circuit of Wales, which secured the rights to the race but has yet to build its track, failed to meet payment deadlines. "The time lost with Circuit of Wales being unable to complete the funding arrangements has resulted in delays in almost all of the event's critically important operational plans, from track works to equipment hire," Donington's owners said in a statement. "This current position could jeopardise the safe and successful running of the 2015 British MotoGP at Donington to such an extent, that both the commercial risks and the lack of time are now too great to allow Donington to proceed." The race had been scheduled for Aug. 30 at the Midlands circuit which last hosted MotoGP in 2009 before a move to Silverstone. Commercial rights holders Dorna announced in August a five-year deal with the proposed new Circuit of Wales (CoW), which is unlikely to be ready until 2016 at the earliest. Promoters had then approached Donington as a stand-in venue. Donington said spectators who had already bought tickets would be refunded. "Any announcement on a replacement MotoGP race or about any future UK dates are now a matter solely for CoW and Dorna," added the statement. (Reporting by Alan Baldwin, editing by Ed Osmond)
So CoW does not pay DP but surely DP must be making big££ in ticket sales, traders, car parking and what ever else. Better to have some money than what will now be an empty circuit on that day. Not to mention upping DP's profile on the World stage
I'm not sure it works like that unfortunately. The way I understand it is the circuits pay Dorna for the right to host the event, they then make money from stallholders/race goers and sponsors....from the noises Silverstone were making it doesn't sound like there is much to be made from it. More of a prestige thing that helps to generate better income rather than an actual money maker. I would imagine the deal with CoW involved CoW paying to help upgrade Donington so it would have been a win/win (circuit upgrade and the prestige) for Donington, even if they didn't make much money out of actually hosting it. Tbh, I would be very surprised if the CoW is ready for 2016, I'd be surprised if it happens at all from the sounds of this. I also wouldn't be surprised if some people somewhere are making a lot of money out of this whether it's built or not. Just my random thoughts though and I could be wrong.
It's not CoW fault per se, they are being made to jump through hoops by opponents to the circuit. The latest issue is an inquiry into the de - registration of common land which was requested by a North Wales MP (nowhere near ebbw vale). The private funding for the works (and by extension the round at Donnington) would not be released until the planning process has been completed. Which is now, unfortunately, too late for 2015...
Id live to but its a bit soon and i can usually only afford the one or two meets a year unless just for race day but its a bit far for a day trip and bsb is over the two days? when is it mate? must be soon
my birthday weekend! maybe i should make the effort! been to bsb and wsb at brands but not camped there yet. love the track and atmosphere...
try and get to brands everyear went to knockhill last year also and what a waste of time that was very limited viewing not many trade outlets or food or drink stands wont be going there again will be at brands for the first outing there for sure
Us too and hopefully at Paddock Hill again. Aim to be there for the weekend and really looking forward to it. Hopefully run in to you (figuratively rather than literally) sometime over the weekend . Andy
This was predictable and predicted. The Circuit of Wales project always looked like pie in the sky. Before long Dorna will pull out, financial backing will not be forthcoming, political backing will evaporate, and the whole CoW fantasy will obviously collapse. Ah well, back to reality then.
Mmmmm, puts a different complexion on things. Seems Dorna isn't the only money grabbing organisation in this story. Andy
Either way, it's no bloody wonder Spain has 4 GPs. Must we cock up every major event we're involved in?
NB. Donnington will only refund tickets purchased directly from them,or their authorised sellers I believe.
