It was at Silverstone that the first round of the British Superbike Championship was to take place this Easter weekend. But the health situation did not allow it, and the following races scheduled for May 3 at Oulton Park and at Donington on May 24 were also postponed to later dates.
The organizer of the BSB, MotorSport Vision Racing, is considering several possibilities for its resumption of activity. It is the most important national championship in the world, since the American championship declined in prestige and quality, and the Spanish CEV became a Junior World Championship. The CEV leads more towards the Grands Prix, while the BSB trains riders more for the Superbike World Championship. Thus the winner of the 2019 edition, Scott Redding on Ducati, he joined the factory team in the SBK world this year.
Stuart Higgs, who heads the BSB organization within MotorSport Vision Racing (which also owns several circuits and organizes car races) is working on several hypotheses, which he will have to adapt gradually depending on the situation. evolution of the health crisis.
“We are trying to anticipate all possible scenarios with a possible restart from June until September and to play with several models,” Higgs, who recovered after experiencing mild symptoms of the virus, said at Bikesportnews.com.
“Everything we put in place must be sustainable for the public and everyone involved in organizing such an event. »
“It’s got to be baby steps, but I’m ready for us to get through this.” Sport is an integral part of everyone's life and we must try to move forward and be as positive as possible. »
“From a national championship perspective, we have clear advantages over a global championship in that our geography of operation is contained, we don't have to move four jumbo jets full of equipment and cargo worldwide. »
“This, coupled with our obvious position as operator of most of the UK circuits and our excellent relationships with independent circuits, with whom we are in a constant phase of dialogue. »
“Racing with the circuit doors closed for the public is an option, but I have to say that it is clearly and distinctly our least preferred option, it makes no sense to broadcast a series only for an audience of viewers, the economics don't add up and I don't think that's the point of the championship. »
“September is probably the last month we can use to start the championship. It's generally not a bad month in the UK. We have had a few days of great weather in the past in September, but we have also had a few days of bad weather. But we also almost had to cancel rounds in July before due to bad weather. »
“I think realistically the last weekend in October is not unfeasible. Obviously the earlier we start, the more we can spread out. »
“What I don't want to do is say we have seven weekends, and to race all seven in a row is completely unrealistic. »
Above, with Carmelo Ezpeleta.
source: Bikesportnews.com
Photos © MotorSport Vision Racing and Motogp.com / Dorna
