MotoGP Proposes Jerez Double Header for End of July

Dorna Sports have announced plans to finally start the 2020 MotoGP season with a double header in Jerez at the end of July followed by a World Superbikes round.

The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the first 11 rounds of the championship being postponed or cancelled and left the future of the campaign unclear with the Czech GP at the start of August being aimed as the earliest possible start to the season.

However, Dorna, Jerez council, and the Andalusian government have now agreed to make a proposal to the Spanish government suggesting an opening round at Jerez de la Frontera in late July.

Should the plans be approved, two MotoGP races would be held at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto – the first taking place on the weekend of July 19 as the Spanish Grand Prix and the second as the Grand Prix of Andalusia on July 26.

The races would be followed by a WorldSBK round on the weekend of August 2.

Approval from the Spanish government would require a relaxation of the current lockdown restrictions in Spain within the next two and a half months, but all sides are confident for the events to go ahead.

Given governmental permission for the races to be staged, the proposal would need to be signed off by motorcycling governing body FIM for the events to be included on the respective calendars.

The races are expected to be held behind closed doors without fans and with only essential paddock staff that would total a number of around 1,600 people in team personnel, race organisers, and Dorna’s own TV and media crew.

This means a significant reduction of manpower in the garages with the maximum number of team personnel being limited to 40 for a MotoGP manufacturer team, 25 for a satellite or independent MotoGP team, 20 for Moto2, and 15 for Moto3.

Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta has furthermore announced strict medical arrangements that will see the promoter acquire 10,000 test kits to monitor paddock personnel before, during, and after working at the circuit.