“We have worked closely with North West Leicestershire District Council and Leicestershire County Council on our plans to welcome spectators to the BTCC event this weekend.
“A multi-agency Safety Advisory Group approved MSV’s Covid-Secure policies and confirmed its support for our plans for the opening round of BTCC at Donington Park.
“This approval was subject only to DCMS being satisfied that BTCC is not elite sport. Regrettably, following consultation, DCMS has confirmed today that this is not the case.
“We are incredibly disappointed to inform BTCC fans that we will be unable to allow spectators or season pass holders to attend this weekend’s British Touring Car event at Donington Park after all.
“An event including a round of BTCC, as the leading car championship in the UK, must follow the government’s five stage elite sport pathway with spectators presently unable to attend.”
Donington Park’s plan had included spreading the limited number of spectators across “dozens” of viewing areas in the open air
MSV contrasted this with typical top-level football or rugby matches “that tend to attract huge crowds, mostly in stadiums, and typically rely on public transport.
MSV has asked ticket-holders to wait for information.