Qatar Moto2 replaces MotoGP as night race

Following the cancellation of all MotoGP class activities during this weekend's Qatar Grand Prix, Moto2 will now become a night race.

The original schedule planned for the season-opening Moto3 race to start at 3pm, Moto2 at 4:20pm and then MotoGP at 6pm.

Since sunset in Qatar is around 5:30pm, only the premier-class would have been racing at night.

But with MotoGP called off due to Qatari travel restrictions in response to the coronavirus outbreak, Moto2 will now take over the 6pm slot, with the Moto3 start time moving to 4:20pm. Likewise, Moto2's final track sessions on Friday and Saturday will also now be illuminated by the floodlights.

The new schedule also means that planned live TV broadcasts of the MotoGP race can be replaced by live Moto2 instead.

The distance for the Moto3 and Moto2 races, which are going ahead since teams and riders are already in Qatar following the final pre-season test, will remain unchanged.

The revised Qatar Grand Prix schedule can be seen below.

Round two of the season, the Thai Grand Prix at Buriram, has been postponed for all classes but may be rescheduled for later in the season.

Friday:

13:25-14:05 Moto3 FP1

14:20-15:00 Moto2 FP1

17:05-17:45 Moto3 FP2

18:00-18:40 Moto2 FP2

Saturday:

12:55-13:35 Moto3 FP3

13:50-14:30 Moto2 FP3

17:05-17:20 Moto3 Qualifying 1

17:30-17:45 Moto3 Qualifying 2

18:00-18:15 Moto2 Qualifying 1

18:25-18:40 Moto2 Qualifying 2

Sunday:

13:10-13:30 Moto3 Warm-up

13:40-14:00 Moto2 Warm-up

16:20 Moto3 Race (18 laps)

18:00 Moto2 Race (20 laps)