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THE Japanese Grand Prix was forced to be canceled from this year’s MotoGP calendar due to the corona virus pandemic. The Twin Ring Motegi circuit, which has been on the MotoGP calendar since 1999, is supposed to hold a home race for the Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki teams on the 18th of October.
“The situation in Japan and Europe is unpredictable and there will be an extended travel ban. As a result of discussions with Dorna … we agree if we have no choice but to cancel the Japanese GP,” Mobilityland Corporation president Kaoru Tanaka was quoted as saying on the official MotoGP website. With this decision, Japan will be absent from the MotoGP calendar for the first time since 1986.
Meanwhile, Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta stated that “MotoGP is working hard to be able to restart the race season and hold as many events as possible, and in the safest way possible.”
For this reason, FIM and Dorna, in consultation with IRTA and MSMA, have decided that until mid-November, MotoGP will remain in Europe to hold as many events on the continent as possible, Ezpeleta said.
“Events outside the region, if at all possible, will be scheduled after mid-November, which will be too late this year for the Motul Japanese Grand Prix to be held,” he said.
The MotoGP season has been delayed due to the global health crisis this year, but organizers hope to start the competition season in July in Jerez, Spain, even without spectators. [antaranews/photo special]
