MotoGP class cancelled at Qatar Grand Prix due to travel restrictions

Michelle Liew

March 2, 2020

The premier class will not race at the Losail International Circuit at all for the Qatar Grand Prix.

Qatar Grand Prix will not be taking place for MotoGP class | Photo credits: MotoGP

The FIM, IRTA and Dorna have just announced with dismay, the cancellation of all MotoGP class sessions at the Grand Prix of Qatar, including the race.

The ongoing coronavirus outbreak has resulted in the enforcement of Qatar travel restrictions. This affects passengers from Italy, amongst other countries. As of today, all passengers arriving at Doha on direct flights from Italy, or having been in Italy in the past 2 weeks, will be taken straight to quarantine for a minimum of 14 days. Italy plays a vital role in the Championship and in the MotoGP class. Therefore the authorities have decided to cancel the premier class competition.

Teams and riders of the Moto2 and Moto3 classes were already in Qatar for the three-day official test. This means that the teams are already in the Losail International Circuit earlier this week. The races of both categories will be possible.

The lightweight and intermediate classes will therefore compete in their season opener from the 6th to 8th March. The same will apply to the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup. The team will have two races during the Qatar Grand Prix as originally planned. Stay tuned for a revised schedule.