Bennetts British Superbike teams and riders have backed series’ boss Stuart Higgs’ decision to postpone the beginning of the season.
A two-day test involving the entire paddock had been planned at Silverstone early next month ahead of the opening race at the Northamptonshire track but Higgs was forced to push that race back to later in the year.
Advice from the government on mass gatherings meant neither the test or race could go ahead, and the decision was met with approval.
"We are ready to race, Tommy is ready to race, we're in the strongest pre-season position we ever have. There is no question that the postponement and delay is the correct decision. The season will start later than expected but we will use the time well," Oxford Racing Ducati boss Steve Moore told bikesportnews.com.
"We’re a Ducati dealership as well as a racing team with many shared staff between the departments, March and April are busy months for us so the team are fully occupied working on customer bikes until we pull the (Oxford Products) cover off our 2020 machine.
"Our sponsors are being fantastic too and are as keen to get started as the race fans are. With the weather improving the motorcycle season is getting underway too, I don’t think even a global pandemic will keep bikers from their bikes this summer.
"In the meantime Tommy’s bike is nicely secure with a big Oxford lock and chain round it. Now I just need to try to keep Tommy occupied until the racing begins."
McAMS Yamaha’s Tarran Mackenzie said: “I’m gutted not to be kicking off the season in a couple of weeks’ time. Obviously safety and everyone’s health is paramount so I think BSB have made the right decision.”
Team-mate Jason O’Halloran added: “It’s obviously disappointing but we have to follow the guidelines and advice being given to us for everybody’s well-being.”
Rich Energy OMG’s Luke Mossey said: “Gutted to have the first round Silverstone has
been postponed everyone’s health has to come first for sure.”
“I am absolutely gutted but more importantly I hope everyone stays safe and we can get through this time as quick as possible,” said RAF Reserves Kawasaki’s Ryan Vickers.
