Le Mans preparing for 'closed-door' 2021 French MotoGP

Last October's rescheduled French Grand Prix took place with 5,000 race day fans in attendance, making it one of the few MotoGP events with spectators in 2020.

But the latest Covid restrictions on sporting events implemented by the French Government mean that the Le Mans MotoGP organisers are now preparing to hold next month's 2021 round (May 14-16) behind closed-doors.

'In case the government authorities authorize the presence of the public by the end of April / beginning of May with a reduced tonnage, we will consider the opening of a new ticket office,' added a statement from the race organisers.

Prior to Covid, Le Mans was one of the biggest MotoGP spectator events of the year, with 206,323 weekend fans in 2019.

Like many European races, there had been doubts about whether the event would be financially viable without fans, but Dorna remains confident that the full European schedule planned for 2021 can go ahead.

However, the added costs associated with the end-of-season flyaway rounds means that - as last season – the races in Japan, Thailand, Malaysia and Australia (plus any possibility of rescheduling Argentina and Austin) will be dependent on fans being present.

France has enjoyed a dream start to the new MotoGP season with an historic one-two by Fabio Quartararo and Johann Zarco in the final Qatar race.

Pramac Ducati's Zarco also leads the world championship standings after finishing second in both Losail events.