Dorna announces financial support for MotoGP teams

With the halt to racing caused by the coronavirus wreaking havoc on team finances, Dorna has confirmed it will be providing assistance to the Independent MotoGP outfits to 'guarantee their economic well-being.'

While manufacturer-owned Factory teams should be able to weather the storm, satellite teams are heavily reliant on pay-per-race funding from sponsors.

The move should therefore ensure that when racing does eventually restart, it will be with a full grid of participants.

'Through the International Road-Racing Teams Association, MotoGP Independent Teams will each receive considerable advance payments during the months of April, May and June, irrespective of whether activity is restarted or not,' read a Dorna statement.

'This is in order to guarantee the economic well-being of the Independent Teams and their staff, as well as to secure their subsistence for the future.'

Teams competing in the Moto2 and Moto3 classes will also receive assistance.

'In addition, IRTA has already made payments to all Moto2 and Moto3 teams to support them during this difficult period. Further measures for the intermediate and lightweight class teams will be considered in due course.

'As previously stated, Dorna Sports is working hard to try and ensure that this crisis leaves all those in the MotoGP World Championship with only one consequence; that of a modified calendar.'

The latest calendar modifications can be seen below, but with racing not expected until June or July at the earliest, more changes (and a shortened event line-up) are expected...