More motorsport races cancelled due to coronavirus fears

MotoGP have cancelled the opening two rounds of the 2020 season after new travel restrictions limit access to Italians or those who have recently been to the country.

The MotoGP season was due to begin this coming weekend in Qatar but this now will not happen as a joint statement from the FIM, IRTA and Dorna confirmed.

"FIM, IRTA and Dorna regret to announce the cancellation of all MotoGP™ class sessions at the Grand Prix of Qatar, including the race," read the statement.

"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.

"As the teams and riders of the Moto2™ and Moto3™ classes were already in Qatar for the three-day official test at Losail International Circuit earlier this week, the races of both categories will be possible. The lightweight and intermediate classes will therefore compete in their season opener from the 6th to 8th March. The same will apply to the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup, which will have two races during the Qatar Grand Prix as originally planned. Stay tuned for a revised schedule."

There is no confirmation on whether the Moto2 and Moto3 classes will race in Thailand as well or whether this event will be cancelled altogether.

At this moment in time, there has been no comment from either the FIA or Liberty Media as to how the developments could affect the opening rounds of the Formula 1 season, although Australian GP CEO, Andrew Westacott, has confirmed that the season opener is still on course to go ahead.

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