Red Bull Rookies postpones Jerez test…

The Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup pre-season test, set for Jerez from April 13-15, has been postponed.

After holding a MotoE test from March 10-12, the Jerez circuit announced it would be ceasing all activities for the next 15 days 'following recommendations from the health authorities in reference to containment measures to stop the advance of coronavirus'.

Jerez added that the length of closure may be 'revised or expanded if necessary', potentially putting the second MotoE test from April 8-10 and following Rookies test at risk.

While there is no news yet on next month's electric-bike outing, the Rookies Cup organisers have now taken their own decision on the grounds of travel advice:

'The recommendation of the European Commission and the World Health Organisation to halt non-essential travel means that we now have no choice but to postpone the test,' said a Rookies Cup statement.

The cancellation of the test also casts further doubt on whether MotoGP's revised opening round will go ahead as planned, at the same Spanish circuit, just two weeks' later from May 1-3.

The next event at Le Mans (one of three rounds to boast over 100,000 race day fans in 2019) is planned from May 15-17. However, yesterday (Monday) it was announced that France's Motocross GP, scheduled one week before the MotoGP, has been postponed until the end of June.

Mugello should then host the Italian MotoGP from May 29-31, but the country is presently the worst hit in Europe by the coronavirus and it would take a major breakthrough in controlling the disease for authorities to be confident enough to allow over 80,000 fans (2019) to mingle together on race day in just over two months time.

While a ban on large crowds could be 'solved' by holding races without fans being allowed at the circuit, with six of MotoGP's eleven teams under lockdown in Italy and similar restrictions on movement now in place for France and Spain, the biggest obstacle could simply be getting essential staff to an event...

*Subject to circuit homologation.