The opening round of the 2020 MotoGP series scheduled for Qatar next weekend has been cancelled. The Moto3 and Moto2 categories will race in Qatar, however, as a result of those classes currently testing in that foreign country, as explained in the following press release. The cancellation of the MotoGP category results from the mandatory quarantine (of 14 days minimum) for travelers to Qatar from Italy.

Here is the press release issued by the FIM, IRTA and Dorna:
MotoGP™ Class cancelled at the Grand Prix of Qatar

Due to Qatar travel restrictions brought into force affecting passengers from Italy, the premier class will not race at Losail

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

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.

Credit:motorcycledaily.com

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