LCR 'ready to extend racing season if needed'

Following the cancellation of Qatar for the MotoGP class and postponement of round two in Thailand, Lucio Cecchinello says that his LCR team is 'working as planned' but are 'ready to extend the racing season if needed'.

The Italian, who runs Cal Crutchlow and Takaaki Nakagami on satellite Honda machinery, made the comments in a statement (below) issued to fans and media.

While MotoGP won't race at Qatar this year, the series still aims to hold the other 19 rounds, with the Thai event tipped to take over Aragon's October 4 date, with Aragon brought forwards to September 20.

However, if further rounds are delayed by travel restrictions, the racing season may need to be extended beyond the current November 15 Valencia finale to find room for all the rescheduled events.

The first premier-class race of 2020 is currently due to be held at COTA in Austin, Texas, from April 3-5...

'Dear Supporter,

'As you probably know, due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak the FIM, IRTA and Dorna announced [on Sunday] evening the cancellation of the Premier Class this next weekend.

'Unfortunately, due to the same reason, they also announced [on Monday] the decision to postpone the 2020 Thailand Grand Prix (which most likely will be held later in the season, as in the previous years).

'As a sportive organization we are deeply concerned about this situation, but we absolutely understand the government and organizers’ decisions.

'Together with FIM, IRTA and Dorna, we are fully cooperating to further reschedule the Thailand GP.

'We hope that there won’t be any other Grand Prix compromised in the short term, however we are fully ready to extend the racing season if needed.

'At the moment, only the Qatar GP has been cancelled and we are working as planned for the remaining 19 rounds.

'We truly wish for a positive development of events, meanwhile we are going to enhance our communication strategy and fan engagement, stay tuned!

'Lucio Cecchinello and LCR Team'