Donington Park has pulled out of hosting the 2015 British MotoGP. Donington had agreed to hold the event on behalf of the Circuit of Wales (CoW) company.
In a statement on its website, Donington said: “In early September 2014, CoW sought an alternative race circuit on which to hold the 2015 British race and so fulfil its Dorna contract.
“CoW agreed detailed terms with the Donington board of directors to hire the Leicestershire circuit, which had been home to MotoGP for many years prior to 2009, in order to run its contracted British MotoGP in 2015, during which period the CoW track was scheduled to be built.
“The situation at 10 February, 2015, is very clear. Despite Donington’s best efforts, the time lost with CoW being unable to complete the funding arrangements has resulted in delays in almost all of the event’s critically important operational plans, from track works to equipment hire. Therefore, in the judgment of the Donington board, this current position could jeopardise the safe and successful running of the 2015 British MotoGP at Donington to such an extent, that both the commercial risks and the lack of time are now too great to allow Donington to proceed.
“Therefore Donington Park must withdraw from any further participation. Consequently, the 2015 British round of the FIM MotoGP World Championship will not now be held at Donington Park on 30 August, 2015.”
Spectators who have already purchased tickets via Donington Park and their agency See Tickets are fully protected, with all ticket monies held safely in an independent escrow account. They will therefore automatically receive a full refund of the amount spent on their tickets, within 10 working days, if bought via See Tickets’ automated system, or by application.
Naturally, any announcement on a replacement MotoGP race or about any future UK dates are now a matter solely for CoW and Dorna, and so DPRL will make no further comment.”
Rumours are circulating that officials from Silverstone met with CoW representatives on the 2 February to discuss an alternative deal to hold the round at the Northamptonshire circuit .