MotoGP signs contract with Circuit of Wales to host the British Grand Prix from 2015

MOTOGP will venture to Wales in years to come with the category signing a deal for the Circuit of Wales to host the British Grand Prix.

THE MotoGP world championship is set to venture to Wales in years to come with the category signing a deal for the Circuit of Wales to host the British Grand Prix.

The circuit has signed a five-year deal with MotoGP commercial rights holders Dorna, with the option for a further five-year extension, that will see the British round of the world championship held in Wales until 2024.

It will become the third circuit to hold the event since the world title stopped going to the Isle of Man TT after 1976, with the Silverstone circuit the current home of the race.

Still moving through the planning phase, a MotoGP round has been a clear goal of the team behind the development of the new facility.

“Our agreement with Dorna is a significant landmark in the development of the Circuit of Wales,” Michael Carrick, chief executive of the Circuit of Wales, said.

“MotoGP is the pinnacle of global motorcycle racing and expectations within the series and of its millions of fans worldwide are for a truly world class event at iconic and state-of-the art venues.

Artist’s impression of the new facility.

“We look forward to meeting those expectations when we welcome MotoGP to Wales from 2016 and we are now working closely with Dorna and the FIM, MotoGP’s governing body, with regard to the 2015 British round of the MotoGP World Championship.”

Carmelo Ezpeleta, the Chief Executive Officer of Dorna Sport S.L., commented: “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.”

Circuit of Wales’ Michael Carrick and Dorna’s Carmelo Ezpeleta

The Circuit of Wales is a £280 million project to develop a purpose-built hub for the multi-billion pound British motorsport industry around a state-of-the art track, Britain’s first purpose-built motorcycle Grand Prix circuit, with unrivalled facilities for visiting fans. Sitting on the fringe of the picturesque Brecon Beacons, the Circuit of Wales will be a major catalyst for business, leisure and tourism as it spearheads the regeneration of the Blaenau Gwent region.

The first phase of the multipurpose development will be the construction of an international specification motor racing circuit and World Championship facilities, hotel, commercial and retail complexes. The facility is designed to host international motorsport events and will be a centre for motorsport-related industries.

Plans include a 3.5-mile track that takes advantage of the natural flow of the unique topography of the area, an indoor academy training facility, motocross, trials and enduro venues, an international kart circuit and driver training facilities as well as a variety of leisure and cultural amenities.

The automotive park will be one of the world’s leading sustainable developments, targeting the growth of low-carbon industries and events. It will be a hub for research and development companies that are seeking to push the boundaries in environmental technology and energy solutions. The park will showcase the latest technologies that capture and generate energy for the facility.

The race academy and training facility to develop future Welsh and UK talent will work in unison with the motor racing circuit and with Dorna. Commercial, industrial and leisure developments will be at the heart of the project, providing opportunities for the growth of advanced engineering, technology, education and sustainable transport-related businesses.

CIRCUITS TO HOLD THE BRITISH MOTORCYCLE GRAND PRIX
1977-1986 Silverstone
1987-2009 Donington Park
2010-2014 Silverstone
2015- Circuit of Wales

Overview of the Circuit of Wales layout.

Originally published as MotoGP signs contract with Circuit of Wales to host the British Grand Prix from 2015