The Circuit of Wales delivers a hugely successful British MotoGP event, writes Martin Whitaker, chief executive of the Circuit of Wales.

"Last weekend we were absolutely delighted to host the British MotoGP at Silverstone as part of our agreement with Dorna, the commercial rights holder for the sport.

Circuit of Wales has a 10-year contract in place with Dorna and almost 75,000 fans visited Silverstone for Sunday's race.

We can’t wait to welcome this sporting spectacle to South Wales with all the associated benefits that a sport of this nature and attendance in these numbers will bring to the community and the region.

As one of the two most significant motorsport events in the UK, MotoGP is a hugely popular international sporting occasion, which goes out to over 200 countries and reaches nearly 300 million households globally.

It sits within the top 20 sporting events in the world so be under no illusion…it’s a big deal.

It was also great to be able to welcome Britain's golden couple, Olympic legends Laura Trott and Jason Kenny to raceday.

Motorsport is known as being a magnet to superstars from the sporting stage and cinema screen including Brad Pitt who was with us for the race last year.

The passion of the fans is something to behold, they come from all over Europe, and beyond; for example it was a pleasure chatting to fans from California.

Can you believe they had flown in for the weekend!

So it is clear that hosting this kind of event in South Wales will have a hugely positive impact on the local economy, tourism, and in establishing Wales as one of the world's primary sporting destinations.

However, it’s not just about the racing on the track; MotoGP is a celebration, it pulls people together, a huge number of them families, into a carnival atmosphere.

It represents an opportunity to show off the best of what Wales has to offer, as a lot of the fans stay and explore the area and will undoubtedly use the race as a chance to venture throughout Wales.

An example is the relationship we are developing with our friends at the Abergavenny Food Festival who are working with us to establish a culinary presence for Welsh food producers among other Welsh companies at next year's race. And remember, this is just one opportunity.

Circuit of Wales will host numerous other sporting, musical, and community events.

So as we continue working to deliver this exciting project with our colleagues in the Welsh Government, start practicing the welcome you’ll be giving people from around the world, and get ready for a unique and hugely positive experience.

Lastly, thank you for your patience, your continued support, your passion and enthusiasm.

Our team is already growing in Wales and I was delighted to see so many from the region involved in the running of this year's race at Silverstone. This will continue next year with a new agreement signed on the eve of Sunday's race. All our team look forward to work with and within the communities over the coming months and celebrating with you a facility that will be a development to inspire and deliver passion, hope and pride in the valleys and throughout the country."