“We’ll come back stronger from this”- Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta

Michelle Liew

April 30, 2020

The 2020 MotoGP Season will not feature Grands Prix in Germany, the Netherlands and Finland.

MotoGP updates calendar for 2020 season | Photo credits: MotoGP

According to the latest news from MotoGP, the German, Dutch and Finnish Grands Prix will not be taking place this year. The outbreak of COVID-19 has reached great heights and the situation in North America and Europe overall has been deteriorating. In case you missed, out, here is what Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta has to say.

“Today we announced the cancellation of the three Grands Prix; Germany, Assen and Finland. The reason is that we are contemplating the possibility to start in July but the problem is with the situation and authorities it will be difficult to do with spectators, so any of these Grands Prix without spectators is very difficult to do. It’s for that reason that we’ve decided with the three local promoters to pass onto next year with those three, instead of putting them on a new date.”

TT Circuit Assen

This will be the first time that Assen will not be on the MotoGP calendar.

“This is the situation. This coronavirus problem is something we’ve never seen and so, unfortunately, it’s not a possibility. The authorities of the Netherlands have forbidden events until the end of August and so it’s completely impossible. After that in Assen, it will be difficult to organise a Grand Prix and more difficult again without spectators.”

Due to the increasing number of cancellations, the official MotoGP calendar constantly undergoes changes and updates. “Our idea right now is to start at the end of July. Where and when are still to be decided. We’re sure our initial program is to start in Europe and race from the end of July until November and see what’s happening and if the non-European races will be possible after November. In the worst case, if it’s not possible to travel outside of Europe, we’ll at least keep a Championship of least 10 to 12 races between the end of July and the end of November.”

Takaaki Nakagami, Assen circuit

When asked about the fact that Bridgepoint had bought 10,000 coronavirus tests, Ezpeleta explained that the team is making full use of it.

“We are working just on the 10,00 coronavirus tests which we agreed with Bridgepoint. Then what we are doing is to try to make a protocol. It is the way we’re working within Dorna now to see how the races could be without spectators. With a limited number of people working in the paddock, which will give different situations regarding transportation, accommodation, hospitality. Then everyone will be tested before leaving their house, then tested when they arrive at the circuit and also when they return home. This is the idea. We are working with another company which belongs to Bridgepoint to acquire these 10,000 tests.”

Ezpeleta also maintains that MotoGP remains in contact with the team, riders and manufacturers. “We have regular contact. Two weeks ago we had a meeting with all the manufacturers together and we decided the technical situation for 2020 and 2021 for the three categories. Then I’m speaking regularly with everyone about our plans for the near future. We are doing that. Some of the riders call me and I’m happy to discuss the situation with them. I must say that everybody is healthy and looking forward to starting as soon as possible. They understand that the situation is different and everybody’s happy to try to start as soon as we can, but in a safe manner.

“The first program we are thinking of the possibility to move by car if necessary but I think that by July, with many safety measures, it will be possible to fly within Europe.”

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports

Lastly, Ezpeleta leaves a message for the fans.

“Our main thing is to maintain our fantastic numbers regarding the interest in MotoGP around the world. Unfortunately this year it seems it will not change during the season. It will be difficult to have spectators at the races. But we will have our fantastic television coverage which will permit the majority of people to watch the races.

“After many months without motorcycle races, the expectation for that will bring many people to watch them.

“My message is that we’ll be sure to come back and we’ll be back stronger from this situation. We’re not working just on 2020 but on 2021 and beyond and we’re trying to maintain the races, which is the most important thing.”