The 2020 MotoGP British Grand Prix has become the latest sporting event to be cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

It becomes the fifth MotoGP race to be cancelled because of coronavirus with the season currently scheduled to start on July 19 in Spain.

Silverstone managing director Stuart Pringle said: “Despite months of work behind the scenes to try and make this key event happen, logistical restrictions under the current situation, combined with a shortened and rearranged MotoGP calendar has caused the cancellation of the event.”

He regarded that health and wellbeing  of riders, teams and all invovled was the most important aspect when it came to decision making. 

“Our obligations to protect the health and safety of everyone involved in preparing and delivering the event, our volunteer marshals and Race Makers, and of course, you, the amazing fans, means that this is the best, safest and only decision we could make,” he said.

He also added that ’thousands’ of tickets for the 2021 event would be given to NHS staff and other key workers as a show of gratitude for their unwavering efforts during the pandemic.