MotoGP: Grand Prix of Japan cancelled too

MotoGP organisers have just announced the cancellation of another round as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. This time it’s Japan.

It’s just been confirmed that the Grand Prix of Japan won’t be going ahead during the 2020 MotoGP season. Set to take place from across October 16-18 at the Twin Ring Motegi, it looks like we’ll have to wait until 2021 for racing the return of world championship racing in Japan.

Speaking about the news, Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the cancellation of the Motul Grand Prix of Japan at the very unique Motegi circuit, meaning we will not have a Japanese Grand Prix on the calendar for the first time since 1986.

Ezpeleta went on to talk about the championship being focused in Europe until much later in the year. He added: “The MotoGP family is working very hard to be able to re-start the racing season and hold as many events as possible, and in the safest way possible. For this reason, the FIM and Dorna, in consultation with IRTA and MSMA, have decided that, until mid-November, MotoGP will remain in Europe to do as many European MotoGP events as we are able to. Therefore, overseas events, if at all possible, should be scheduled after mid-November – which would be too late in the year for the Motul Grand Prix of Japan to be held. “

Concluding his statement, he said: “For this reason it has been decided, in consultation with Mobilityland, that the Motul Grand Prix of Japan cannot be held in 2020. I very much thank Mobilityland for the support given to MotoGP.  On behalf of Dorna, I would also like to thank all the fans for their understanding and patience as we wait for the situation to improve. We very much look forward to returning to Motegi next year.”

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