CO-PROMOTER Danny Ford insisted British Speedway bosses made the right call to suspend the domestic season until at least April 15 amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Pirates had been due to begin their campaign with press and practice day at Wimborne Road on Friday.

Neil Middleditch’s testimonial was then scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, before the club’s SGB Championship opener against Somerset had been set for April 1.

Away and home fixtures against Eastbourne were then due to take place on April 4 and 10 respectively.

But a statement from the British Speedway Promoters Association released today read: “British Speedway’s new season has been suspended with immediate effect.

“The decision has been taken in line with other sports following the latest update from the government on the coronavirus crisis.

“This suspension will be reviewed on April 15 and the situation will be monitored by the British Speedway Promoters’ Association and Speedway Control Bureau on a daily basis between now and then.”

Reacting to the news, Ford told the Daily Echo: “Obviously it’s no secret that we were monitoring the situation closely and the decision has been made to postpone the season until April 15.

“We will look to plan things and reschedule all fixtures that are being postponed to a later date.

“It’s 100 per cent the right move.

“Although it’s comer a little bit later, it’s right and everyone’s health and safety is the most important thing.

“It’s frustrating for us but we have to look at the bigger picture.”