Italian MotoGP cancelled

As expected, the postponed 2020 Italian MotoGP has been officially cancelled.

In what could be the final announcement before a revised calendar is unveiled, the Mugello round has become the eighth event to drop off this year's coronavirus disrupted schedule.

The other Italian-based event, at Misano in September (titled as the San Marino MotoGP) is expected to host two back-to-back rounds on the revised calendar. It remains to be seen if the second event will now be called the 'Italian Grand Prix'.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the cancellation of Mugello," said Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta.

"Sadly, we were not able to find a solution to the logistical and operational issues resulting from the pandemic and rearranged calendar to enable us to visit the venue this season.

"It is a great loss as Mugello is one of the most beautiful circuits in the world and one we are very proud to call the home of the Italian Grand Prix.

“On behalf of Dorna, I would like to thank the fans for the understanding and patience they have shown as we wait for the situation to improve. We very much look forward to returning to Mugello next season for another stunning weekend of racing.”

Paolo Poli, CEO of Mugello Circuit, said: “Despite the communal effort made to find a practical solution, the impossibility of staging an event that is open to spectators, as well as the difficulties that have arisen from this exceptional situation, have not allowed us to find a new date for the Italian Grand Prix.

“I would like to thank all of our fans who have supported and encouraged us during these months, and invite them back to Mugello in 2021 for what will be, as always, one of the most iconic events of the season.”

Mugello hosted its first MotoGP event in 1976 and has been a permanent fixture on the calendar since 1991, meaning 2020 will be the first time in nearly 30 years that the Tuscan track will not host a grand prix.

The revised 2020 calendar, expected this week, will only contain European events. Of the eight European circuits not yet cancelled, the biggest question mark is whether the French event at Le Mans will be included in the 'final' calendar.

A decision on any flyaway rounds will then be made by August.