Dorna: MotoGP season 'top priority', cancellation 'last resort'

Dorna has sought to stamp out speculation that it is considering cancelling the entire 2020 MotoGP season, insisting such a discussion would only take place 'as a last resort'.

The ongoing disruption caused by the coronavirus means MotoGP is yet to hold a race this year, with the German Grand Prix on June 21 now pencilled in as the provisional start date, although that is likely to change.

Dorna: MotoGP season 'top priority', cancellation 'last resort'

Dorna has sought to stamp out speculation that it is considering cancelling the entire 2020 MotoGP season, insisting such a discussion would only take place 'as a last resort'.

The ongoing disruption caused by the coronavirus means MotoGP is yet to hold a race this year, with the German Grand Prix on June 21 now pencilled in as the provisional start date, although that is likely to change.

A shortened season of around ten races now seems the realistic target, but comments by Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta earlier this week appeared to suggest that complete cancellation was already being discussed.

Dorna has today released a statement emphasising that 'racing is our top priority in 2020', while also confirming that this season would finish 'within the calendar year' and therefore not spill over to January or February 2021.

'The coronavirus pandemic is ongoing and has already resulted in revisions to the 2020 calendar for the MotoGP World Championship, including the postponement or rescheduling of a number of events. In light of the continued uncertainty, Dorna Sports would like to reaffirm that racing is our top priority in 2020,

'At Dorna, we remain in continuous discussion with the FIM, IRTA, the MSMA and Grand Prix promoters as we closely monitor the situation, keeping channels of communication and support between each pillar of our sport as open as possible. The aim of every party involved is to begin racing again as soon as it is safe to do so.

'Our number one focus has always been and will remain on trying to run the 2020 season with as many Grands Prix as possible, finishing within the 2020 calendar year. However, we will always act in line with health and safety advice from governments and relevant health authorities.

'If the pandemic continues to put our lives and sport on hold for longer than any of us are able to anticipate and travel restrictions remain in place, only as a last resort would Dorna Sports ever consider discussing cancellation of the 2020 season with the FIM, IRTA and the MSMA.

'Our number one focus for WorldSBK is likewise trying to run the 2020 season with as many Rounds as possible once it is safe to do so.

'The priority of all parties involved is to race, safely, and bring our fans more of what they love: motorcycle racing.'

 

Latest 2020 MotoGP Calendar (April 7)

Round

Date

Race

Circuit

1

8 March

Qatar (MotoGP cancelled)

Losail

?

3 May

Spain (postponed)

Jerez

?

17 May

France (postponed)

Le Mans

?

31 May

Italy (postponed)

Mugello

?

7 June

Catalunya (postponed)

Barcelona

2

21 June

Germany

Sachsenring

3

28 June

Netherlands

TT Circuit Assen

4

12 July

Finland

KymiRing (Subject to homologation)

5

9 August

Czech Republic

Brno

6

16 August

Austria

Red Bull Ring

7

30 August

Great Britain

Silverstone

8

13 September

San Marino

Misano

9

27 September

Aragon

Aragon (rescheduled)

10

4 October

Thailand

Buriram (rescheduled)

11

18 October

Japan

Motegi

12

25 October

Australia

Phillip Island

13

1 November

Malaysia

Sepang

14

15 November

Americas

COTA (rescheduled)

15

22 November

Argentina

Termas de Rio Hondo (rescheduled)

16

29 November

Valencia

Ricardo Tormo (rescheduled)

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