2020 BSB suspended as all UK motorcycle racing put on hold

All UK motorcycle racing is put on hiatus unti the end of April, delaying the start of the 2020 British Superbike Championship

Scott Redding, Start - PBM Ducati [credit: Ian Hopgood Photography]

MSVR has confirmed the 2020 British Superbike Championship has been suspended until further notice in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

The national series had hoped to continue where the international series’ have been forced to postpone and cancel events due to its domestic status, but the change in policy from the UK government that limits public gatherings means the decision has been taken to put it on hold.

The season was due to start on 10-12 April 2020 at Silverstone and for now it is the only event that has been postponed, though MSVR is reviewing events beyond that.

The postponement of the BSB season is in tandem with an announcement from the MCRCB and ACU to suspends all motorcycle circuit racing events until the end of April. The decision comes as no surprise amid a flurry of announcements in relation to the COVID-19 spread.

On Monday the Isle of Man TT was cancelled and was followed up by the North West 200 being postponed too. It comes after several international series' rearranged a number of events over the last few weeks as the coronavirus spread led to national governments introducing strict measures on movement and public gatherings.

Full statement below

“Yesterday (16 March) the UK Government announced further and significant measures designed to suppress the spread of the Coronavirus and limit Covid-19 infections.

“Following the MCRCB and the ACU’s suspension of all motorcycle circuit racing events until at least the end of April, a decision which will be kept under review as the situation progresses, MSVR can confirm that the forthcoming official test (1/2 April) at Silverstone is cancelled, and the opening round of the 2020 Bennetts British Superbike Championship also at Silverstone (10-12 April), will be postponed until later in the year.

“Series promoter and organiser MSVR is continuing to work closely with teams, circuits, broadcasters and partners to evaluate the constantly-changing situation and will provide further updates when available.”