Silverstone have announced that they will host a round of the 2013 Superbike World Championship after all, putting an end to speculation that it would lose its place on the calendar. The Northamptonshire circuit was rumoured to be under threat with Istanbul Park among the tracks vying to replace it but today’s news ensured the British round will be held on the first weekend in August.
Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, is delighted to have secured the event’s status for this year at least and hopes the crowd will offer the strong contingent of home riders their full backing.
“In late 2009, when Donington Park’s previous management group went into administration, Silverstone stepped in to support the SBK Championship, agreeing a four-year deal to host the British round of World Superbikes. Since then we have proudly hosted MotoGP™, World Superbikes and British Superbikes – the three most prestigious motorcycle racing events in the UK – and have made significant investment to provide bike fans with a fantastic on-event experience. Views around the circuit have been drastically improved, fans can now get much closer to the track and our off-track entertainment creates a real festival atmosphere around the venue.”
“Recent speculation suggested it would have been a ‘bitter blow’ for British race fans if this year’s Silverstone round had been cancelled. Well, it is definitely going ahead; tickets are on sale; and hopefully even more fans will vote with their feet and support the British riders, both here at Silverstone and at Donington.”
World Superbikes have followed MotoGP in placing the pits and paddock in the national paddock between Woodcote and Copse as opposed to the Wing complex which is used for the Formula One Grand Prix. Phillips believes this move will benefit the public who attend the meeting.
“As with MotoGP™; until we have the funds to build a bridge or tunnel connecting the outside of the circuit with The Wing, the National Paddock is a more accessible facility for bike fans and closer to all the off-track entertainment. The move will further improve the overall experience at our two-wheel events.”
