Australian, British and Japanese MotoGP rounds cancelled
The Japanese Grand Prix joins the Australian and British events in a flurry of MotoGP cancellationsThe Australian, British and Japanese Motorcycle Grand Prix events have been cancelled as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the MotoGP season. While coronavirus numbers continue to fall worldwide, Dorna Sports was forced to cancel the events as it furiously attempts to restart the MotoGP season.
Current travel and social distancing restrictions have made it impossible for the three events to be held. With crowds unlikely, the long trip to Japan and Australia is not financially viable for organisers and teams.
The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix was due to be held from October 23-25. It regularly attracts over 80,000 spectators and is a huge boost for the local economy.
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First held at the Phillip Island in 1989, the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix has been held every year since, with Phillip Island becoming the races permanent home in 1997. The news of the cancellation comes after Australian MotoGP rider, Jack Miller, signed a deal with the factory Ducati team.
“We’re very disappointed that MotoGP fans throughout Victoria, Australia and internationally won’t get the chance to make the pilgrimage to one of the best circuits anywhere in the world,” said AGP Corporation Chairman, Paul Little, also acknowledging that ‘the right decision has been made.’
The British Motorcycle Grand Prix at Silverstone was due to be held from August 28-30. Silverstone hosted the first motorcycle Grand Prix on English soil in 1977, has been a constant fixture on the MotoGP calendar for the last ten years. 2020 will be the first time in 70 years that World Championship racing will not take place in the British Isles.
The Japanese Grand Prix has been held every year since 1986, with the Motegi circuit hosting the event since 1999.
Dorna Sports, the promoter of MotoGP, made the decision on the cancellations reluctantly, but saw no other option. “We’re saddened to have to announce the cancellation of these iconic events, after finding no way through the logistical and operational issues resulting from the pandemic and rearranged calendar,” said Dorna CEO, Carmelo Ezpeleta.
The exact configuration of the 2020 MotoGP calendar is still up in the air, but Dorna hopes racing will be underway by July.
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