Round one of the British Superbike Championship was cancelled at Brands Hatch yesterday (Sunday) after heavy snowfall throughout the morning.

The event was called off at 11.15am by the race director Stuart Higgs, following a review of circuit conditions.

The announcement was followed by the news that the meeting will be rescheduled for May 10/11.

Jonathan Palmer, chief executive of MotorSport Vision, the owner of Brands Hatch, said: "It is bitterly disappointing for all the fans who have come and of course for all the teams and organisations including the Brands Hatch team who have put so much into this weekend.

"Apart from the inability to put on the great show fans expect from BSB, safety is our number one priority and this must not be compromised."

He added: "I have been very eager however to see if we could find a way not to just cancel, but postpone the first Brands Hatch event.

"Fortunately a major benefit of MSV now running BSB is that following a review of our calendar, I am delighted to be able to immediately announce that we have rescheduled this meeting which will now take place on the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit on 10/11 May.

"All race day, weekend and grandstand tickets for today's event will be valid for the new date with no extra charge. The grids for all of the races within the BSB programme will be as set yesterday, 5 April."

This will mean that Sittingbourne's Shane Byrne’s excellent performance in qualifying, which saw him set the only sub 1:26 lap, will place him on pole position at his home circuit.

Byrne was clearly disappointed that racing had to be postponed and said: "I am gutted for all the fans who have turned up today.

"It is mine, Leon’s (Camier)and GSE Group’s home circuit and we were all excited to have performed so well here in qualifying.

"My aim was to get out there and win in my first race for the Airwaves Ducati team but unfortunately the Great British weather has turned on us and instead of racing we will be packing up and going home early.

"I must admit I am looking forward to heading back to sunnier climes but I am excited about Thruxton now we know what we are capable of on the Ducati 1098R’s.”

Camier, from Ashford, was also disappointed that he was unable to race on one of his favourite circuits.

“It is a shame I am not able to race in front of my home crowd. The whole Airwaves Ducati team have put in such a great performance this weekend and it is disappointing that we cannot put it all into practice in the race," he said.

"I am feeling a bit sore from my efforts this weekend but I should be fine in time for Thruxton, when I hope to be challenging for the top positions again.”