Andorra's MotoGP riders back on track

Some of the MotoGP riders based in Andorra - including Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins, Aleix and Pol Espargaró, Maverick Viñales and Tito Rabat - have completed their first track laps on a motorcycle since the coronavirus lockdown.

While many MotoGP riders have been following Jack Miller's social media with envy during the European lockdown - the Australian able to ride motocross uninhibited at home - Italian racers have also recently been allowed to resume training on two-wheels.

Meanwhile Andorra, where a total of 22 grand prix riders have residency, initially allowed only Trials.

"Andorra has said that professional riders can go just a couple of hours to practice some Trials in one place," Suzuki's Joan Mir said last week. "This is good news but not enough because there are a lot of riders, like the Italian guys - they can go out now, the ones that are living in Tavullia to the ranch and these things."

However, as part of Phase 2 of the principality's deconfinement plan, the Government of Andorra gave permission for professional riders to begin training at the Circuit Andorra Pas de la Casa (altitude of 2,400 metres!) from Wednesday.

Those present had to follow an anti-contamination protocol, with training sessions divided into two groups and different time slots to avoid having more than ten riders together.

During the morning there was practically no action due to wet conditions, but once the track dried out those present were able to complete their first two-wheel laps since early March.

Training will continue as riders prepare for the new proposed MotoGP season-opener at Jerez, on July 19.