The Circuit of Wales will host the British Motorcycle Grand Prix up until 2024 after a historic agreement with commercial rights holders Dorna Sports S.L. The new facility has agreed a five-year contract with the option of a five-year extension although next year’s race looks set to held at an alternative venue while the circuit is finished with a view to hosting the 2016 race.
The new £280 million project will be situated on the fringe of the Brecon Beacons and while acting as a purpose-built Grand Prix venue, the Circuit of Wales will also form part of a large regeneration process in the Blaenau Gwent region aimed to boost business, leisure and tourism in the area.
The 3.5 mile circuit will feature an indoor academy training facility, motocross, trials and enduro venues, an international kart circuit and driver training facilities while brand new hotel, commercial and retail complexes will also compliment the venue.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, the Chief Executive Officer of Dorna Sport S.L., is excited at the opportunities the new venue will provide and expects it to benefit the area, in and out of motorsport.
“We are excited to be working closely with the Circuit of Wales after being involved with the project for more than four years. The commitment to MotoGP is obviously a catalyst to a wide range of exciting projects aimed at contributing to the regeneration of the area, while we work together with MotoGP governing body the FIM in relation to the full homologation of the circuit.”
“The commitment to youth, to employment opportunities for the area, to its academy plans – linked to our own FIM CEV Repsol series – and the general investment in motorsport infrastructure will ensure very exciting times are ahead for Blaenau Gwent and the surrounding areas.”
Councillor Hedley McCarthy, the Leader of Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, is also eagerly anticipating the 2016 British Grand Prix, the first at the new venue.
“On behalf of the community in Blaenau Gwent, we are absolutely delighted that Dorna is bringing the British Motorcycle Grand Prix to the Circuit of Wales. The MotoGP series is an amazing championship that has provided a stimulant and confidence for the growth of infrastructure in a number of similar areas to ours around the world in recent years. We look forward to welcoming the teams, riders, officials, media and fans to Blaenau Gwent.”