Coronavirus: Thai MotoGP will go ahead

MotoGP has confirmed that the 2020 Thai Grand Prix will go ahead as planned, having been assured by the Thai government that there is 'no major risk' from the outbreak of coronavirus.

Formula E's Chinese round in Sanya was cancelled last month and F1's Chinese GP in Shanghai has been postponed from its original date of April 19. But with the disease yet to be brought under control, there has been speculation that motorsport events in neighbouring countries could also be in doubt. 

Thailand has 35 confirmed cases of the disease, putting it behind China (74,595), Singapore (84), Japan (84), South Korea (82) and Hong Kong (65)*.

However, MotoGP will not be altering its March 20-22 event at Buriram.

'Following communication from the Thai government, the FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports can confirm that the OR Thailand Grand Prix will go ahead next month. With the outbreak of coronavirus affecting a number of locations and events worldwide, the decision required official consideration as the situation in Thailand was monitored.

'After consulting with the Ministry of Public Health's Department of Disease Control, the Sports Authority of Thailand has officially communicated, on behalf of the Royal Thai government, that there is no major risk, with the country having infected patients under care and strict preventive measures in place - resulting in the highest rate of fully recovered patients worldwide.

'The FIM, IRTA and Dorna therefore confirm that MotoGP will be back at Buriram from the 20th to 22nd March for another spectacular Thai GP.'

There has also been speculation that the US might prevent entry to anyone that has recently visited certain Asian countries, including Thailand, which could cause an issue with the following MotoGP round at Austin, Texas, from April 3-5...

* Source: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.