Autosportfoto

Silverstone 'extremely keen' to keep MotoGP amid 2018 drop threat

Silverstone is "extremely keen" to retain its MotoGP round despite being absent from the draft 2018 calendar.

The Northamptonshire circuit has held motorcycling's British Grand Prix since 2010, but series promoter Dorna is currently in negotiations with both Silverstone and Donington Park about hosting the '18 race.

Silverstone Circuits managing director Stuart Pringle told Autosport: "We love having grand prix motorcycle racing and we've worked really hard 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."

British MotoGP rider Cal Crutchlow has previously called Silverstone "boring" and said he hoped Donington would replace it.

The track has also come in for the same criticism as other Formula 1 venues for the quality of the surface for MotoGP bikes.

Pringle confirmed the negotiations had nothing to do with the future of the F1 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."

Zdroj: autosport.com