MotoGP in Qatar Cancelled Because of Coronavirus Concerns

The Qatar Grand Prix has been cancelled for MotoGP’s premier class as a result of travel restrictions brought about by public health concerns from Qatar officials.

As a result, the MotoGP event, due to take place on the 8th March will no longer go ahead, though the FIM have stated that Moto2 and Moto3 will continue as per normal. The Losial International Circuit was due to host the opening round, which will now be moved to the Chang International Circuit for the Thailand Grand Prix on the 22nd March.

With travel restrictions in place for new arrivals to the Gulf country, as a result of 3 confirmed cases, the support series will continue to be held due to the fact they were already in the country for pre-season testing.

Italy is home to six of the 24 MotoGP riders, as well as teams including Ducati, Aprilla and Premac Racing. A statement from the FIM read;

“The ongoing coronavirus outbreak has resulted in Qatar travel restrictions being brought into force that affect 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 clearly plays a vital role in the Championship and in the MotoGP class – both on track and off – and therefore the decision has been taken to cancel premier class competition.”

A revised schedule is already planned with the FIM stating;

“The lightweight and intermediate classes will therefore compete in their season opener from the 6th to 8th March. The same will apply to the Asia Talent Cup, which will have two races during the Qatar Grand Prix as originally planned.”

Earlier today, Qatar confirmed two new cases from passengers arriving from Iran, placing both patients in quarentine. This was followed up by restrictions to several neighbouring countries, including Egypt, which has had only 1 confirmed case. It is therefore logical the government would put similar messures in place for more affected countries.

With such a large part of MotoGP based in Italy, further doubts will be raised for subsequent rounds.