MOTOGP CONFIRMS EUROPE-ONLY CALENDAR

Announced on 31 July, the cancellation of the Gran Premio Motul de la Republica Argentina, OR Thailand Grand Prix and Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix follows cancellation of the Red Bull GP of the Americas on 10 July.

All these rounds had been either postponed or rescheduled from their original dates to provisional positions at the tail end of the season. The FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports cite the ongoing coronavirus outbreak and resulting complications for their cancellation.

Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta: "It is with great sadness that we announce the cancellation of the Argentina, Thailand and Malaysian Grands Prix this season, and they will be very much missed on the 2020 calendar. The passion of the fans who often travel across continents to enjoy MotoGP with us in Termas de Rio Hondo, Buriram and Sepang is incredible, creating as they do such an incredible atmosphere and welcome for the sport.”

Buriram first hosted a MotoGP round in 2018, Argentina’s Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo joined the calendar in 2014, while the sport’s association with the Sepang International Circuit goes back to 1999.

New Europe round

While the calendar has lost three GPs, it has gained one. After the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana on 13-15 November (the last confirmed date and venue on the previously released calendar from 11 June), another race weekend will take place on 20-22 November at a yet-to-be-determined European circuit. Further details on the host venue will be confirmed on 10 August.

Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta: "We are delighted to add another Grand Prix in Europe to the 2020 calendar.”

Thailand to 2026. Malaysia, Argentina TBC future

While Thailand will not host a GP this year, the Chang International Circuit (aka Buriram) will remain on the calendar until at least 2026. The circuit’s original three-year contract with Dorna was due to expire this year, but the government and promoters sought a new five-year deal, which was confirmed and revealed in the 31 July announcement.

Dorna is currently working with the promoters of the Argentine and Malaysian GPs on dates to propose to the FIM for 2021. Those discussions apparently include welcoming fans back to each event.

“We are very much looking forward to returning to Thailand, Argentina and Malaysia next year. And, as always, I would like to thank the fans for their patience and understanding," Ezpeleta said.

FIM President Jorge Viegas added: "I would like to thank Dorna, all the teams, the national federations and local organisers for enabling us to get back on track. In doing so, we adapt every day and we will have a very complete and competitive FIM MotoGP World Championship in 2020. The location of the 15th Grand Prix will be announced soon, and we will be back - stronger than ever!"