Australian MotoGP round cancelled for 2021
After the 2020 cancellation, the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix has fallen victim to COVID-19 once againThe 2021 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island has been cancelled, marking the second year straight that COVID-19 has put a stop to the local MotoGP round.
A statement from the FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports announced the news, explaining that ‘the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and resulting travel complications and logistical restrictions mean that it has not been possible to confirm the viability of the event’.
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Organisers have promised that the MotoGP World Championship will aim for a return to Phillip Island in 2022, but that will do little to soften the blow to local fans.
“We’re terrible disappointed that for a second consecutive year, MotoGP fans won’t see the world’s best riders compete at the wonderful Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit,” said Australian Grand Prix Corporation Chairman, Paul Little AO. “We’re also disappointed for our staff, suppliers and partners, as well as the Phillip Island community and associated tourism industry.”
While the cancellation of the event will once again be a massive blow to local fans, there is some comfort in the fact that there will be two Australian riders on the MotoGP grid in 2022. Remy Gardner, son of Wayne Gardner, recently signed a contract with KTM and will join Ducati’s Jack Miller in the premier class next year.
The cancellation of the Australian round has prompted a reshuffle of the MotoGP calendar, with the Malaysian Grand Prix now taking place a week earlier on October 24. In addition, Portimao returns to the calendar for a second year running.
It was a busy day for the Australian Grand Prix Corporation who also had the bad news of announcing the cancellation of the 2021 Australia Formula One Grand Prix.
Both events are scheduled to return in 2022, however the ongoing COVID-19 situation continues to create headaches for organisers.
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