The next problem is the French Grand Prix which could also be in danger. Even though there are still two months to go, the development of the health crisis caused by Covid-19 is doubtful if the Lemans circuit can hold the races there.
Covid-19 or Chinese Coronavirus continues to influence MotoGP. In principle, the 1000cc MotoGP category must start this season in Austin in April. But now, Dorna is working on keeping the race on the same date, but in a different place.
Last week the 1000cc MotoGP race in Qatar was cancelled. A few hours later, the Thai Grand Prix, as the second series on the racing calendar was postponed. Everything starts when this world championship will begin in the United States. The American Circuit (COTA) will host the debut of the first class this season. However, it is advisable to argue every day given the condition of the United States lately.
Austin has declared a state of a local disaster. And if people are about to hold an event greater than 2,500 people is prohibited unless the organizer can convince Austin Public Health that a mitigation plan for an infectious disease already exists.
The option to change the date of the American Grand Prix at COTA is complicated. According to the manager, this circuit will only be available in the summer, after the Finnish Grand Prix. However, the option to race in Texas on dates is not possible due to high temperatures there.
Dorna tried in every way so that the coronavirus; as little as possible affect the MotoGP event. A week ago, Carmelo Ezpeleta convinced them to do everything they could to save the race as originally agreed. However, based on the actual situation, it forces them to change some plans if they want to try all races can be held. In the case of Austin, the solution will be held in Indianapolis. Indianapolis takes 1777 km or 16 hours by road from COTA.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway held MotoGP from 2008 to 2015. Starting from that, MotoGP has not returned to this circuit. Dorna has accepted those who are responsible for asking about the status of asking for FIM. “Today the circuit is clearly not homologous”. But there is no critical problem. It can be agreed without major problems, and also because of this critical situation, we will not beg for something very difficult or impossible to obtain, “said Dorna’s security chief, Franco Uncini.
French MotoGP Can Also Be Influenced
The next problem is the French Grand Prix which could also be in danger. Although there are still two months to go, the development of the health crisis caused by Covid-19 doubts whether the Le Mans circuit can hold races there.
The latest steps of the French government, disallow people or groups to hold the event collected more than 1,000 people. However, there is still hope before the race is in normal condition. This temporary ban is only until April 15. “At the national level, all the meetings of more than 1,000 people are prohibited. Prefects and ministries will outline a list of events that are considered useful for the life of the nation, “said French Health Minister Olivier Sunday night.
