Could a motorsport championship join the growing list of showpiece events to be staged in Gloucester?

New laws allowing motor racing to take place on closed public roads in England have been brought in by the Government this week,  to boost local economies through increased tourism and hospitality.

Gloucester has already hosted a series of top visitor attractions, notably matches in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, a stage of the Tour of Britain cycling race, the Tall Ships Festival and the Gloucester History Festival.

And Gloucester City Council leader Cllr Paul James has left the door open on a motorsport event taking place in the city.

Cllr James said: "We know from the Rugby World Cup that Gloucester can excel at holding major sporting events.

"Most of the city's roads are quite narrow and would probably not be suitable for motorsport, but we would always look seriously at any proposal that came forward."

Transport Minister Andrew Jones said the new laws would further cement Britain's position as a world leader in the motorsport industry.

"There are already races of this kind in some areas of the British Isles which are incredibly popular, attracting thousands of spectators," he said.

"New road races will boost local economies through increased tourism and hospitality, and offer community opportunities such as volunteering."

The Motor Sports Association and the Auto-Cycle Union, the respective governing bodies for four- and two-wheel motor sport in the UK, will be authorised to issue permits for the races.

They must consult the council, police and other local bodies and be fully satisfied that the event will be safe.

Local authorities have the final say over whether a race can go ahead, and may require additional safety measures before, during or after the event as a condition of allowing a race to take place.

Backing the move, former F1 world champion Nigel Mansell said motor races would bring economic benefits to the places than staged them.

"I have seen first-hand the very significant impact of motor sport on the economy of the Isle of Man and Jersey, so this is a great move forward for the sport and will bring visitors and pride to parts of the country that wish to stage such events," he said.

"I am delighted that this government is embracing motorsport, which will assist the UK's world-leading position and improve the sport's ability to help provide opportunities and focus for young people."

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