Germany extends ban on public gatherings

The Sachsenring looks unlikely to keep its place as MotoGP's provisional season-opener on June 21, after the German government extended a ban on large public gatherings until August 31.

It would therefore appear the only way Sachsenring could conceivably host an event before that date would be if it got the go-ahead to run behind closed doors (without fans).

Dorna is known to be considering such a 'closed doors' policy if it's the only way to hold races this year.

But with an estimated 1,000 staff still required for the three grand prix classes to operate, it would still be considered a large gathering.

Should Germany become the ninth round to be cancelled or postponed so far this year, the Dutch TT at Assen on June 28 would be next to inherit the role of opening round.

Just one further event, the return of the Finnish Grand Prix on July 12, is then scheduled before the summer break.

However with a tyre test also needed before the inaugural KymiRing round, and the track not yet homologated, it is perhaps the most likely event to join Qatar on the cancelled list.

It is estimated that only around 10 of the planned 20 rounds will prove viable this year, due to the travel restrictions in place to contain the coronavirus.

MotoGP seems to be working around December 15 as being the latest a race will take place this year.