Bosses at Donington Park are delighted with the spot they have been given in the provisional 2009 MotoGP calendar, slap bang in the middle of summer on the July 25 weekend.

It's a month later than usual and falls right before series' annual summer break.

“It’s a prime time of the year to hold Britain’s premier motorcycle race in the UK”, said Donington Park’s Chief Executive Simon Gillett “and we are delighted to be able to have the date  announced so far in advance, that the record crowd that attended this year’s event can plan their arrangements accordingly.”

“We will continue to provide the best possible programme of entertainment for the event, on and off the track,” added Gillett.