British MotoGP CANCELLED: Race called off after heavy rain
THE BRITISH MOTOGP has been cancelled because of heavy rain hitting Silverstone.
A statement on BT Sport’s official MotoGP account read: “Races cancelled.
“No races will go ahead at the #BritishGP.
“A huge thank you to everyone who toughed it out with us today.”
Following a hastily revised race schedule confirmed on Saturday night, MotoGP’s start time was moved to 11:30 – 90 minutes earlier than planned – with weather forecasts showing heavy rain set to sweep over the track.
Jorge Lorenzo secured pole position for the latest round of the MotoGP championship in yesterday's exciting qualifying session.
Lorenzo beat fellow Ducati rider Andrea Dovizioso, who finished just behind in second.
Championship leader Marc Marquez will start from fifth on the grid, with Johann Zarco and Britain's Cal Crutchlow also ahead of him.
Marquez will be buoyed by the fact nearest title challenger Valentino Rossi record the slowest time in the second qualifying session.
Silverstone's official Twitter account took to the social media site to update fans earlier this afternoon.
"UPDATE: Decision over the running of the event will be made by 1pm. Please retweet," they posted.
Another update from MotoGP came shortly after 2pm UK time, with race controllers expecting the rain to subside in the coming hours.
“Race direction track safety evaluation at 15:00 local time - subject to weather forecast for a 16:00 race start for #MotoGP”.
A visibly annoyed Jack Miller fills us in:
— Watch the #BritishGP live on BT Sport (@btsportmotogp) August 26, 2018
"A lot of the riders don't want to ride. To cancel it already is a shortcoming for everyone."#BritishGP pic.twitter.com/BKU6oCsAob
But the decision at 4pm ended the day’s proceedings, with confirmation of the cancellation.
Rider Jack Millier said: "A lot of the riders don't want to ride. To cancel it already is a shortcoming for everyone."