Australian MotoGP cancelled
Shortly after news broke that the British MotoGP has been officially cancelled, Dorna confirmed the 2020 Australian round at Phillip Island has also been scrapped due to the ongoing coronavirus disruption.
“We’re saddened to have to announce the cancellation of these iconic events after finding no way through the logistical and operational issues resulting from the pandemic and rearranged calendar," said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports.
Shortly after news broke that the British MotoGP has been officially cancelled, Dorna confirmed the 2020 Australian round at Phillip Island has also been scrapped due to the ongoing coronavirus disruption.
“We’re saddened to have to announce the cancellation of these iconic events after finding no way through the logistical and operational issues resulting from the pandemic and rearranged calendar," said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports.
"Silverstone and Phillip Island are always two of the most thrilling race weekends of the season, with both tracks never failing in their promise to deliver some of the closest racing in our Championship.
“On behalf of Dorna, I would like to once again extend my thanks to the fans for their understanding and patience as we wait for the situation to improve. We look forward to returning to Silverstone and Phillip Island next year for more incredible battles."
“We’re very disappointed that MotoGP fans throughout Victoria, Australia and internationally won’t get the chance to make the pilgrimage to see the world’s best riders compete on one of the best circuits anywhere in the world, but the right decision has been made," said Paul Little AO, Australian Grand Prix Corporation Chairman:
“The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix puts Phillip Island on the global stage and it’ll be back better than ever in 2021.”
The latest MotoGP calendar now looks as follows, although further event changes are certain with only around 10-12 races (including back-to-back weekends at the same track) expected. The feasibility of any non-European rounds largely depends on immigration restrictions and whether fans can be present.
The proposed 'closed-door' season-openers at Jerez are still awaiting approval from the Spanish government...
Latest 2020 MotoGP Calendar (including free weekends) | |||
Round | Date | Race | Circuit |
8 March | Qatar (MotoGP cancelled) | Losail | |
| France (postponed) | Le Mans | |
| Italy (postponed) | Mugello | |
| Catalunya (postponed) | Barcelona | |
| Germany (cancelled) | Sachsenring | |
| Netherlands (cancelled) | Assen | |
| Finland (cancelled) | KymiRing | |
|
| Great Britain (cancelled) | Silverstone |
|
| Australia (cancelled) | Phillip Island |
1 | 19 July | Spain (proposed) | Jerez (rescheduled) |
2 | 26 July | Andalusia (proposed) | Jerez |
| 2 August |
|
|
3 | 9 August | Czech Republic | Brno |
4 | 16 August | Austria | Red Bull Ring |
23 August | |||
30 August | |||
6 September | |||
5 | 13 September | San Marino | Misano |
20 September | |||
6 | 27 September | Aragon | Aragon (rescheduled) |
7 | 4 October | Thailand | Buriram (rescheduled) |
11 October | |||
8 | 18 October | Japan | Motegi |
25 October | |||
9 | 1 November | Malaysia | Sepang |
8 November | |||
10 | 15 November | Americas | COTA (rescheduled) |
11 | 22 November | Argentina | Termas de Rio Hondo (rescheduled) |
12 | 29 November | Valencia | Ricardo Tormo (rescheduled) November seen as cut-off for European races |
| 6 December |
|
|
| 13 December |
| Mid-December seen as cut-off for races outside Europe |