Donington granted FIM licence

The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme has renewed Grade A Licence for the Donington Park Grand Prix circuit, which will allow the British rounds of the MotoGP and World Superbike Championship seasons to go ahead as planned.

The licence was granted following a thorough inspection of the circuit by FIM circuit inspector Claude Danis, who confirmed that all the works in the homologation requirements had been satisfactorily carried out.

That included alterations to re-instate the run-off areas on the outside of the circuit between McLeans and Coppice corners, which had been compromised by the addition of a tunnel underneath the circuit to ease access for construction traffic. Circuit contractors have now extended that new infield tunnel during the last 10 days.

This year's only British round of the World Superbike Championship takes place on the weekend of 26-28 June while the British round of MotoGP is set for the following month on 24-26 July.

“This is great news for everybody at Donington Park and all of the fans,” Donington Park Chief Executive Officer Simon Gillett said. “The ticket sales for both of our world class motorcycle racing events have been extremely positive and we'd like to thank the fans who have remained loyal and believed in us for committing to buying tickets. We have already sold 50 per cent more tickets than we had at this time last year for World Superbikes and the sales of our MotoGP tickets have remained at the same level.

“We've also now opened up the opportunity for the on the day tickets for both events, which should encourage more fans to come and witness safe, enjoyable and exciting two-wheel racing at one of the UK's premier motorsport circuits. I'd like to thank the FIM for the positive working relationship that we have so far enjoyed and look forward to continuing to work with them in the future.”