MotoGP Class Canceled for Qatar Grand Prix
Rennie Scaysbrook | March 1, 2020
The MotoGP class will not race at next weekend’s season-opening Qatar MotoGP race, following the ongoing issues with the Coronavirus.
Italy has been one of the hardest-hit nations with the virus, and with such a huge number of team personnel making up the Grand Prix paddock, MotoGP Commercial Rights Holder Dorna has taken the unprecedented step of canceling the premier class at round one.
Below is the announcement from MotoGP.
“FIM, IRTA, and Dorna regret to announce the cancellation of all MotoGP™ class sessions at the Grand Prix of Qatar, including the race.
“The ongoing Coronavirus outbreak has resulted in Qatar travel restrictions being brought into force that affect passengers from Italy, amongst other countries. As of today, all passengers arriving at Doha on direct flights from Italy, or having been in Italy in the past 2 weeks, will be taken straight to quarantine for a minimum of 14 days. Italy clearly plays a vital role in the Championship and in the MotoGP™ class – both on track and off – and therefore the decision has been taken to cancel the premier class competition.
“As the teams and riders of the Moto2™ and Moto3™ classes were already in Qatar for the three-day official test at Losail International Circuit earlier this week, the races of both categories will be possible. The lightweight and intermediate classes will, therefore, compete in their season opener from the 6th to 8th March. The same will apply to the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup, which will have two races during the Qatar Grand Prix as originally planned. Stay tuned for a revised schedule.”
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