WORLD SUPERBIKES BACK TO SILVERSTONE

Silverstone Circuits Limited is pleased to announce that it has added Britain’s round of the FIM Superbike World Championship to its portfolio of world class events in 2010. The Northamptonshire circuit has stepped in to agree a new, short term contract with Infront Motor Sports (the commercial rights holder for the FIM Superbike World Championship) after the event’s immediate future had looked in jeopardy.

Ticket details for the only UK round of World Superbikes, taking place at Silverstone between 30 July and 01 August, will be announced in due course.

The Superbike World Championship has gone from strength to strength in recent years, and in 2010 there will be plenty of British interest for fans to get behind. A total of seven British riders will be competing on full factory or factory-supported bikes this season, including James Toseland (Sterilgarda Yamaha), who returns to World Superbikes for the first time since winning the title in 2007, Jonathan Rea (Ten Kate Honda), Leon Haslam (Alstare Suzuki), Shane Byrne (Althea Ducati), Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Superbike), Cal Crutchlow (Sterilgarda Yamaha) and Leon Camier (Aprilia Racing).

World Superbikes is the latest championship to be added to an impressive line-up of motorcycle racing events at The Home of British Motor Racing. MotoGP (18-20 June) and British Superbikes (25-26 September) are also heading to Silverstone in 2010, with all three events scheduled to take place on the circuit’s new Arena Grand Prix circuit. With the FIA Formula 1 British Grand Prix also taking place at Silverstone on 9-11 July, 2010 is gearing up to be a busy one for the iconic motor sport venue.

Silverstone has invested more than £5 million on its new, super fast bike circuit, with work on a dramatic new section of track and significant improvements to spectator viewing facilities scheduled for completion in March. Silverstone’s focus is firmly set on delivering the best race experience available to UK bike fans.

Modifications to the track will make Silverstone one of the fastest circuits in the world. Changes include a new section of track running from Abbey corner up to the ‘Arena complex’, promising multiple overtaking opportunities. The circuit then links up with the ‘National Straight’ before re-joining the original Grand Prix circuit at ‘Brooklands’.

The other significant change is the removal of the chicane at ‘Woodcote’. With grandstands being moved to accommodate an increased run off area, the riders will now be able to power through ‘Woodcote’ and attack ‘Pits Straight’ at full speed.

Away from the track, Silverstone is making a number of improvements to its spectator viewing areas. In addition to constructing elevated viewing banks, existing grandstands and fence lines are also being moved to bring fans closer to the on-track action.

Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, commented: “We are delighted that World Superbikes will be back at Silverstone this year. There was a very real risk that Britain wouldn’t have a round of the Superbike World Championship in 2010. With seven of Britain’s best riders racing in this year’s championship, it would have been a travesty if they hadn’t had a home race, and a home crowd, to perform in front of. We are thrilled that Silverstone has been able to step in and keep the race on the 2010 calendar.

“Silverstone is embracing the biking community. We have already demonstrated our commitment to motorcycle racing by investing more than £5 million in a new super-fast circuit and improved spectator facilities. We were already looking forward to seeing MotoGP and British Superbikes on the new Arena Grand Prix circuit in 2010, so to add World Superbikes to that list is fantastic.”

Paolo Flammini, CEO of Infront Motor Sports, commented, “Following all the problems with Donington and the uncertainty that has been created over the last few months, we are now very satisfied to have reached an important agreement with Silverstone Circuit to host the British round of the Championship. This agreement confirms the excellent relationship existing between our Group and Silverstone Circuit and we hope it will be the first step of a new long-term relationship.”