The UK government confirmed yesterday (22 September) that plans for socially distanced fans to return to large elite sport events from 1 October have been paused. This is due to the recent increase in COVID-19 cases across the country. Unfortunately, the decision rules out spectators for the upcoming round of Bennetts British Superbikes at Donington Park on 2-4 October.

It is likely the remaining three Bennetts BSB and BTCC events on MSV circuits this year will also be run behind closed doors; however dialogue is ongoing with government, in conjunction with other affected sports, in the hope that a sensible approach to the short term return of limited spectators can be agreed. Whist we understand and appreciate the public health imperatives, our venues are huge parkland settings where fans can easily socially distance, and significantly fewer than 1% of spectators travel to our venues by public transport.

Being in a totally outdoors, COVID-secure venue with a limited attendance is demonstrably safer than many other activities that have been allowed to continue to operate. As such we are extremely disappointed by the government’s decision to suspend the return of spectators to elite sport, without any evidence put forward to support such a move, and ask them to urgently reconsider this position.

Clearly this news will be frustrating and we are very sorry for any inconvenience caused. We politely ask that affected Donington Park Bennetts BSB customers do not contact us regarding their tickets - we intend to email all purchasers within the next 48 hours with further details, including how to claim a full refund.

MSV have temporarily paused ticket sales for the remaining BTCC rounds at Snetterton and Brands Hatch in October and November, and the Bennetts BSB final round at Brands Hatch next month. All other race meetings on MSV circuits in 2020 are set to go ahead as planned, with limited attendances and in full compliance with latest guidelines.

Bennetts BSB fans will be able to watch all the racing from Donington Park live on the Quest HD TV channel, which is available free-to-air.