Silverstone, the current home of the British formula one grand prix, has secured a five-year contract to host motorcycling's premier MotoGP series from 2010.
Following this year's British GP at Silverstone, the single seater category is scheduled to move in 2010 to Donington Park, currently the scene of Britain's MotoGP event.
Reports indicated that Silverstone simply outbid Donington.
"It's very disappointing but given the need for a flagship event in 2010 to replace formula one, we understand the importance to Silverstone of gaining the rights to MotoGP from a business perspective," Donington chief Simon Gillett said.
Silverstone, which will have to make modifications to its Northamptonshire venue to accommodate MotoGP, last hosted premier motorcycle grand prix racing in the 70s and 80s.
