The 2018 GoPro British Grand Prix has been cancelled after persistent heavy rain throughout the day left the track unsuitable for racing. Rain had started to fall shortly after this morning’s MotoGP warm-up and after a series of delays, the decision was finally made shortly after 16:00 local time to cancel all three races, as well as the British Talent Cup.
Riders had already been voicing their concerns about the newly resurfaced Silverstone circuit following a rain-hit Saturday. A torrential downpour during FP4 saw a series of riders skate off at Stowe, with Tito Rabat suffering multiple leg fractures after being struck by Franco Morbidelli’s Honda which had aquaplaned off moments after the Spaniard had crashed himself.
With standing water and drainage a serious issue, the MotoGP race start had been brought forward to 11:30am in an attempt to dodge the worst of the weather. However, a heavy downpour while the riders formed up the grid led to a delay until conditions improved. Meetings between team bosses, riders, and IRTA officials took place at 12:30pm, and again at 16:00pm, where the decision was finally taken to cancel the event. The option of running the races on Monday was quickly ruled out.
Serious questions will now be asked of the Silverstone circuit, as well as the company responsible for the relaying process since last year’s race. With no racing possible at all on Sunday, questions will now be asked over the suitability of Silverstone in the event of more wet weather in future seasons.
