'They listened' - Mexico delayed until 2020

After a negative reception from the riders, Mexico is no longer expected on next month's provisional 2019 MotoGP calendar.

Instead, further safety changes and then a test session are planned for the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez F1 circuit, which should clear the way for MotoGP's debut in 2020.

"Now it looks like we will not [go in 2019]," confirmed Aprilia's Aleix Espargaro, who said he was pleased at the way MotoGP organisers had responded to the riders' concerns.

"I'm proud about the decision they took. I'm happy, because they really listened to us."

"When we were in the Safety Commission two races ago the idea was, 'we go to Mexico'. And we were like, 'what?'

"Then we explained our thoughts [about the safety] and they said, 'Okay, we need some days to think and we will come back with some news'.

"They thought about it and I'm happy they took this decision. I would really like to race in Mexico, but it's better if we see the track ourselves, not just in a pdf, and do a test with a MotoGP bike first.

"I'm sure they will make a nice and safe track and then we can race in 2020."

The biggest concern with the current F1 layout is the lack of runoff.

"Yeah, they have to change the track a lot," Espargaro said. "We will see if the [new] design is enough.

"What makes me really curious is about the stadium zone [raises eyebrows]... It's very nice, but we have to see if there is enough room for MotoGP, which is getting faster every year and we don't want the walls too close.

"Also on the straight, the walls are very close. I didn't like the straight at Indianapolis and I think the straight in Mexico is very similar, so it's better to go there, see for ourselves and test before we race."

No-one can accuse MotoGP of not listening to the riders regarding track safety, with the final decision on cancelling Sunday's British Grand Prix also given to the competitors.