Ezpeleta: MotoGP season depends on vaccine

Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta has warned that MotoGP competition is unlikely until a vaccine is found for the COVID-19 virus.

But with many scientists predicting that may not be possible until next year, Ezpeleta admits the 2020 world championship is hanging in the balance.

"I think that until we have vaccines to stop the spread of the coronavirus, it will be very difficult or impossible to organise grand prix and other major events," he told Speedweek.com.

"[Without a vaccine] even if life should normalise a bit again, the travel bans will remain in place in all countries. 

"So it will not be possible for a large number of people to watch a football match or attend a MotoGP event.

"I am not very confident that we will be able to run the 2020 GP season.

"Even if we continue to work hard on it. We consider all possible solutions."

Ezpeleta insisted that if even a small number of events are possible, races will go ahead.

"In the event of force majeure, we can reduce the number of grand prix," he said of the 13-race minimum stipulated in Dorna's contract with the FIM. "If we have fewer races, I don’t worry. We can still choose world champions.

"Frankly, if we get the chance to restart the world championship, we will do it. It doesn't matter how many races.

"We have more than five months until September. If we could start in September, we could still handle more than four or five grand prix.

"We could then turn the calendar upside down: Maybe run a few races in Europe and then travel to Asia if the travel bans are relaxed there by then.

"It depends on how the situation develops worldwide.

"As soon as we see a green light, we can react. We will organise every race that we can manage this season. 

"However, it is important that the safety and health of everyone involved is guaranteed. If someone gets infected at one of our events, we will be blamed forever.

"We can also survive if we have to completely cancel the 2020 season.

"If we have to accept this 'worst case' scenario, we will prepare for the 2021 season in a timely and conscientious manner.

"At the moment it is also a priority that we help the teams survive 2020 financially. We will payout money to them every month, even if there isn't a single race."

Ezpeleta also confirmed that races would be held without spectators, if required.