2020 Italian MotoGP round cancelled
Originally scheduled for 29-31 May, the Italian round at Mugello had already been postponed in early April due to the coronavirus outbreak, with no new date set. Citing an inability to find a way around the “logistical and operational issues” caused by the pandemic, the cancellation was announced by the FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports on 10 June.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the cancellation of Mugello,” said CEO of Dorna Sports, Carmelo Ezpeleta. “Sadly, we were not able to find a solution to the logistical and operational issues resulting from the pandemic and rearranged calendar to enable us to visit the venue this season.
“It is a great loss as Mugello is one of the most beautiful circuits in the world and one we are very proud to call the home of the Italian Grand Prix.
“On behalf of Dorna, I would like to thank the fans for the understanding and patience they have shown as we wait for the situation to improve. We very much look forward to returning to Mugello next season for another stunning weekend of racing.”
Mugello first hosted a grand prix round in 1978 and became a regular fixture on the championship calendar in 1991.
“Despite the communal effort made to find a practical solution, the impossibility of staging an event that is open to spectators, as well as the difficulties that have arisen from this exceptional situation, have not allowed us to find a new date for the Italian Grand Prix,” said Paolo Poli, CEO of Mugello Circuit.
“I would like to thank all of our fans who have supported and encouraged us during these months, and invite them back to Mugello in 2021 for what will be, as always, one of the most iconic events of the season.”
In response to the pandemic and the desire to go racing again, Dorna has mooted a Europe-only calendar of at least eight rounds. That new-look calendar is expected to start with a ‘double header’ of consecutive rounds at Jerez in late July. Despite this Europe-only focus, several rounds on the continent have been cancelled, with Italy joining The Netherlands, Germany, Finland and Great Britain on the list of cancelled rounds from this year’s calendar. The postponed French round seems likely to be cancelled, too.
The Australian and Japanese Grands Prix were cancelled in May, with more flyaway rounds likely to be cancelled, too.
