Cardiff’s staple stadium event, the FIM Speedway GP of Great Britain, will not be returning to the Principality Stadium next year, delivering a major blow to the city. The event, which has been a recurring spectacle in Cardiff for the past three years, drawing in thousands of spectators, has been withdrawn from the 2025 calendar by organisers Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) Sport. The decision to pull the event from Cardiff was attributed to “commercial reasons,” with rising costs, logistical challenges, and declining attendances being key factors in the move. The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) was also consulted closely in the decision-making process.
Jean-Baptiste Ley, Motorsport Events Director at WBD Sports, expressed gratitude towards partners for their support in hosting the event at the Principality Stadium in recent years but reinforced WBD’s commitment to delivering an engaging 2025 FIM Speedway GP series. Ley stated, “The difficult but necessary decision to replace Cardiff on the 2025 calendar, made in close consultation with the FIM, has not been taken lightly.” Despite the event’s relocation, the 2025 season will still feature 10 rounds, with Manchester stepping in to host an additional round on June 13-14, ensuring fans can still enjoy two live rounds next year at the National Speedway Stadium.
Looking back at the success of the 2024 season, Ley highlighted record-breaking viewership numbers and sold-out events, setting the stage for an exciting 2025 series. Manchester’s iconic National Speedway Stadium presents a new venue for the sport, allowing British fans to witness their favorite riders in action as part of a thrilling double-header next season. While Cardiff may lose out on hosting the event, the focus remains on delivering a high-quality entertainment experience for speedway fans across the UK.
The decision to shift the FIM Speedway GP of Great Britain from Cardiff to Manchester for the 2025 season marks a significant development in the motorsport calendar. With the event’s relocation, Manchester emerges as a new hub for speedway racing, offering an opportunity for fans in the region to engage with the sport at a premier venue. While Cardiff will miss out on hosting the event, the move underscores the evolving landscape of motorsport events and the strategic considerations that drive such decisions.
As the motorsport community prepares for the upcoming season, the shift in venues for the FIM Speedway GP of Great Britain adds a fresh dynamic to the series. Manchester’s National Speedway Stadium will now play a pivotal role in hosting a double-header, bringing the thrill of speedway racing to a new audience. While Cardiff’s absence from the calendar may disappoint local fans, the organizers’ commitment to delivering an action-packed championship signals a continued focus on engaging supporters and growing the sport’s popularity nationwide.
In conclusion, the removal of the FIM Speedway GP of Great Britain from Cardiff’s event roster for 2025 underscores the dynamic nature of motorsport scheduling and the strategic considerations that shape such decisions. Manchester’s inclusion as a host city for the upcoming season brings new opportunities for fans to experience the excitement of speedway racing firsthand. While Cardiff may lose out on hosting the event, the commitment to delivering a captivating series remains unwavering, promising an exhilarating season for speedway enthusiasts across the UK.