BSB: Silverstone national layout confirmed after GP debacle

Bennetts British Superbike bosses have confirmed that the ninth round of the 2018 championship will be held over Silverstone’s national circuit rather than the Grand Prix layout after concerns following the cancellation of the British Grand Prix.

As reported by MCN yesterday, race boss Stuart Higgs has, along with BSB’s controlling body the MCRCB, decided to use the 1.64-mile national circuit to avoid fears of a repeat situation should the weather deteriorate next weekend.

Starting at the national pits, the national circuit runs until the Maggots/Becketts section before cutting back across to the Wellington straight – cutting out some of the most problematic areas for standing water.

With several high-speed corners, lap times are estimated to be less than 55 seconds and as such, each of the three races will be held over 30 laps.

A statement from the championship read: “Following the MotoGP cancellation last weekend there is understandable concern about the implications for the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event in a fortnight (September 7/8/9) at Silverstone. 

“Whilst Silverstone rejects the speculation about the state of sections of the asphalt on the Grand Prix Circuit, they are conducting an investigation and have already engaged an independent track consultant for that purpose. 

“While this process is ongoing, uncertainty over Bennetts BSB’s use of the Grand Prix Circuit is unhelpful for teams, riders and fans.  

“So it is has been agreed between Bennetts BSB Championship promoter and organiser, MSVR, its governing body, the MCRCB, and Silverstone Circuit to use this as an opportunity to take a decisive and positive step and run the event on the National Circuit for the first time. 

“The 1.64-mile Silverstone National Circuit has previously been used for British and National Championship level motorcycle events and is currently used for the circuit’s annual British Touring Car Championship round. 

“The original timetable issued for this event is largely unchanged. Bennetts BSB Free Practice session lengths will be extended and all race lap distances will be changed to reflect the shorter lap length. The three Bennetts BSB Championship races which will decide this year’s six Title Fighters will now each be held over 30 laps race distance, offering fans unprecedented track action.”

The updated schedule can be found here.