'Optimism' replaces 'doubt' for Misano MotoGP

Misano is increasingly optimistic that the San Marino round of the MotoGP World Championship can go ahead this season.

The Italian circuit will be a sought-after venue for Dorna since - alongside only Jerez, Aragon and Catalunya - it is still scheduled to host both MotoGP and WorldSBK this season (plus a MotoE double header).

The template outlined for the proposed Jerez season-opener is two sucessive MotoGPs and then a WorldSBK.

The MotoGP calendar already contains a free weekend either side of Misano's planned September 11-13 date when a second event could be held (perhaps titled as the Italian Grand Prix, if Mugello is cancelled).

A statement from the Misano circuit said that "two fundamental aspects must be resolved" for its MotoGP to go ahead:

"On the one hand, the health and safety aspect, because the evolution of the infection and the consequent opportunities it will allow are decisive and arrive before any other consideration.

"On the other, the economic sustainability, which evidently takes on a completely new profile in this situation."

Regarding health and safety, due to government restrictions on public gatherings and social distancing rules, it is likely that all MotoGP rounds this year will be held without fans.

Dorna has created a special 'protocol' for such closed-door events, involving a minimum number of paddock staff and frequent testing for coronavirus. The prootocol is currently under scrutiny by the Spanish Government, which will decide if the proposed Jerez races can go ahead in late July.

Misano said it is willing to hold closed-door events, but also suggested the possibility of 'limited' public participation: "Events could be behind closed doors, but also with limited participation and rigorously respectful of the precautions that we know well. We'll see."

On the economic side, closed-door or limited fan attendance means reaching a new commerical agreement with Dorna, since circuits will no longer receive their usual income from ticket sales, merchandise or food/beverage stalls.

Misano is 'determined and convinced' a solution to that issue can be found and that the event would still serve as a powerful advertisement for the region - badly hit by the coronavirus - without any fans.

"It must be said that the promoters (Republic of San Marino, Emilia-Romagna Region, Province of Rimini and Misano World Circuit) are determined and convinced to find the solution that will allow the organisation of the Grand Prix.

"It is an event capable of transmitting to the whole world the image of a living territory from the tourist point of view, already in motion with its hospitality industry.

"Promotion projects are already outlined, there is the full collaboration of the television platform so that what is a difficulty can be transformed into the best possible opportunity.

"There is daily contact with Dorna and with her CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, we are open to all solutions."

The statement concluded: "Today we are optimistic for the Grand Prix of San Marino and the Riviera of Rimini from a working perspective, no longer that of doubt."