Takaaki Nakagami tests negative, heads to Argentina!

The Japanese reluctantly announced he would be forced to miss the event on Thursday, due to multiple positive Covid-19 tests prior to leaving Japan.

But Nakagami has now tested negative, allowing him to take a flight to Argentina in time for Saturday's delayed start to the track action.

“Early this week before flying to Argentina, Taka tested positive, but with high CT value which indicates low viral charge and he was asymptomatic," explained team boss Lucio Cecchinello.

"It was decided, together with our medical consultant, to repeat the test every couple of days.

"Nakagami has now returned a number of negative tests and will be arriving to the paddock on Saturday morning in time for the beginning of track action as agreed with IRTA and Dorna.”

Meanwhile, a further update to the already heavily-revised Saturday schedule looks set to see the 30-minute MotoGP FP3 cancelled in favour of longer one-hour sessions for FP1 and FP2, followed by qualifying.

It is also proposed that Sunday's warm-up is extended to 40-minutes for the premier-class.