MotoGP is targeting a July return to racing in Europe behind closed doors, but the rounds in Britain and Australia have been officially cancelled.
The 2020 British Grand Prix at Silverstone (August 28-30) and 2020 Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island (October 23-25) have been officially cancelled by MotoGP. A statement from Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, reads: “We’re saddened to have to announce the cancellation of these iconic events after finding no way through the logistical and operational issues resulting from the pandemic and rearranged calendar. Silverstone and Phillip Island are always two of the most thrilling race weekends of the season, with both tracks never failing in their promise to deliver some of the closest racing in our Championship. On behalf of Dorna, I would like to once again extend my thanks to the fans for their understanding and patience as we wait for the situation to improve. We look forward to returning to Silverstone and Phillip Island next year for more incredible battles.”
A revised 2020 MotoGP calendar is in the process of being finalized, with an expected start date of July 19 at Circuito de Jerez. Back-to-back race weekends are planned at the Spanish circuit (July 19, 26) followed by the Czech MotoGP at Automotodrom Brno on August 9. Two further races are set to take place at the Red Bull Ring on August 16 and 23 before the San Marino Grand Prix at Misano on September 13. All races in Europe are expected to be held behind closed doors, without spectators.
The status of the final fly-away races on the 2020 MotoGP calendar is not expected to be confirmed until September, but Dorna is keen for races to go ahead between mid-November and mid-December in the USA, Malaysia, Thailand and Argentina, according to an interview this week with CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta in Cycle World. The fly-away races will only go ahead with spectators present due to the need to cover the costs of shipping and logistics.