DRIVERS are urged to be aware of busy roads as an international motorcycling event comes to Hampshire this weekend.

The Motocross of Nations - dubbed ‘the Olympics of Motocross’ - is being held at Matterley Basin near Winchester tomorrow and Sunday, and is expected to attract up to 40,000 people from around the world.

The practice and qualifying sessions are on today (Saturday) and the finals are on tomorrow (Sunday).

It is likely much of the traffic will be on Sunday October 1, after the races are finished at around 6pm.

Cllr Jan Warwick, portfolio holder for traffic, transport and engineering said: "Organisers of the event have created a traffic management plan, which is designed to minimise the disruption by controlling the exits and sending traffic in different directions.

"The roads which are likely to be affected are the A31 and A272.

"However the bulk of the traffic is likely to join the M3 at junction nine and to keep delays to a minimum. Highways England will be helping with staff on the ground and their control room will be adjusting the signal phasing."

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: "Hampshire Constabulary is working with the organisers of MotoX of Nations and Winchester City Council to ensure a safe event.

"A policing operation is in place to keep those attending safe and traffic moving freely in the area.

"We wish all those attending a safe and enjoyable time. Anyone with concerns before or during the event should contact us on 101. If a crime is in progress or a life is in danger dial 999."

The team motocross race, where riders represent their country, has been staged since 1947 where the GB team of Bill Nicholson, Fred Rist and Bob Ray took home the Chamberlain Trophy for the first time.

The competition on Saturday, September 30 and Sunday, October 1 is an amalgamation of three separate events, the original Motocross des Nations, raced with 500cc motorcycles, the Trophée des Nations, raced with 250cc motorcycles, and the Coupe des Nations, for 125cc motorcycles.

Historically Great Britain dominated the early years, before the competition became more fierce.

With the rise of motocross in North America from the 1970s, the USA embarked on a famous winning streak, lasting 13 years from 1981 to 1993.