Another Grand Prix in Europe added to the 2020 calendar: Argentina, Thailand and Malaysia are canceled.
July 31 Update
The MotoGP rounds that were tentatively planned for Argentina, Thailand and Malaysia-with dates that yet to be announced- are now officially off the schedule. A round in Europe will close out the season on November 20-22 (at a venue that is expected to be announced on August 10), making it 15 rounds in total for 2020.
The following is the press release from Dorna earlier today:
The FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports regret to announce the cancellation of the Gran Premio Motul de la Republica Argentina, OR Thailand Grand Prix and Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix in 2020. Previously postponed, the ongoing coronavirus outbreak and resulting complications now sadly oblige the cancellation of the events to be confirmed.
However, it can now be revealed that an additional Grand Prix is to be added to the 2020 FIM MotoGP World Championship calendar. After the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana, another race weekend will take place November 20-22 at a venue in Europe, becoming the 2020 season finale. Further details on the host venue will be confirmed on Monday, August 10.
In addition, a new agreement has been reached with the promoters of the Thai GP that confirms Chang International Circuit will remain on the FIM MotoGP World Championship calendar until at least 2026. The racing in Buriram has been incredible since the venue joined the calendar in 2018, with the unique final corner never failing to deliver a thrill. Although the event will sadly not take place in 2020, MotoGP can now look forward to many more years of spectacular battles at one of the flagship motorsport venues in Asia.
Furthermore, Dorna has already begun working with the Promoters of Argentina and Malaysian GPs to define possible dates to propose to the FIM for the events in 2021, with plans in place to welcome fans back to the Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo and Sepang International Circuit, respectively.
The Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo first joined the MotoGP calendar in 2014 and has put on a vibrant Grand Prix every year since. The grandstands are always packed as fans travel to the venue from across Latin America, with Argentinians joined by crowds from Brazil, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Uruguay, Bolivia, Paraguay and more.
Sepang International Circuit is the longest serving venue of the three and first hosted MotoGP in 1999. A true world leader then as now, the track is one of the longest and most challenging of the season, staging some all-time classic races. Sepang also serves up a unique experience for fans sat in the iconic grandstand complex along the main straight and into the final corner, putting spectators into the heart of the action, surrounded by the sound of MotoGP at full throttle.
FIM President Jorge Viegas: “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!”
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. However, we are delighted to add another Grand Prix in Europe to the 2020 calendar, and reveal our new agreement that will see MotoGP racing in Thailand and Buriram until at least 2026. 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.”
Updated 2020 MotoGP Schedule
| 8/9 | (Rnd 4) Brno, Czech Republic |
| 8/16 | (Rnd 5) Spielberg, Austria |
| 8/23 | (Rnd 6) Spielberg, Austria |
| 9/13 | (Rnd 7) Misano, San Marino |
| 9/20 | (Rnd 8) Misano, San Marino |
| 9/27 | (Rnd 9) Barcelona-Catalunya |
| 10/11 | (Rnd 10) Le Mans, France |
| 10/18 | (Rnd 11) Aragon, Spain |
| 10/25 | (Rnd 12) Aragon, Spain |
| 11/8 | (Rnd 13) Valencia, Spain |
| 11/15 | (Rnd 14) Valencia, Spain |
| 11/22 | (Rnd 15) TBA |
All dates, events and the eventual attendance of spectators are subject to the evolution of the pandemic and the approval of the corresponding Governments and authorities.
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June 11 Update
Dorna has announced 13 races to comprise the 2020 MotoGP World Championship calendar after the Covid-19 pandemic threatened the existence of this year’s series.
With two races held per venue aside from Catalunya, France, Czech Republic, and Qatar (which already held its Moto2 and Moto3 round back in March), the abbreviated calendar will be one of the shortest in decades, with seven races being held in Spain/Catalunya.
The possibility of holding events outside Europe will be assessed and confirmed before July 31. However, the 2020 season will not finish later than the 13th of December and will comprise a maximum of 17 events (including the Grand Prix of Qatar).
All dates and events, as well as the eventual attendance of spectators, are subject to the evolution of the pandemic and the approval of corresponding governments and authorities.
But at least there’s now some confirmation—we’re going racing!
2020 MotoGP World Championship Calendar
| 08 March Qatar (Moto2 & Moto3 only) Losail International Circuit |
| 19 July Spain Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto |
| 26 July Andalucía Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto |
| 09 August Czech Republic Automotodrom Brno |
| 16 August Austria Red Bull Ring-Spielberg |
| 23 August Styria Red Bull Ring-Spielberg |
| 13 September San Marino e Della Riviera di Rimini Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli |
| 20 September Emilia Romagna e Della Riviera di Rimini Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli |
| 27 September Catalunya Barcelona – Catalunya |
| 11 October France Le Mans |
| 18 October Aragón MotorLand Aragón |
| 25 October Teruel MotorLand Aragón |
| 08 November Europe Comunitat Valenciana-Ricardo Tormo |
| 15 November Comunitat Valenciana Comunitat Valenciana-Ricardo Tormo |
| Americas** Circuit of The Americas (TBC) |
| Argentina** Termas de Rio Hondo (TBC) |
| Thailand** Chang International Circuit (TBC) |
| Malaysia** Sepang International Circuit (TBC) |
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Motul Grand Prix of Japan canceled
June 1:
The FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports regret to announce the cancellation of the Motul Grand Prix of Japan. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has obliged the cancellation of the event, which was set to take place October the 16-18 at the Twin Ring Motegi.
The home of MotoGP manufacturers Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki, Japan is vital to the global presence and success of MotoGP.
The iconic Twin Ring Motegi has been on the calendar since 1999 and the FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports very much look forward to returning to race at the venue in 2021, in front of some of the most dedicated and loyal fans in the world.
Kaoru Tanaka, President, Mobilityland Corporation: “Mobilityland has been preparing for this year’s MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix, however the situations in Japan and Europe are unpredictable and the extension of the international travel ban is expected. As a result of our discussions with Dorna, the managerial body of the series, we agreed that we have no choice but to cancel the Japanese GP in order to complete the season.
“We understand that this is a great disappointment for fans and all related parties. We thank you for your understanding.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports: “It is with great sadness that we announce the cancellation of the Motul Grand Prix of Japan at the very unique Motegi circuit, meaning we will not have a Japanese Grand Prix on the calendar for the first time since 1986.
“The MotoGP family is working very hard to be able to re-start the racing season and hold as many events as possible, and in the safest way possible. For this reason, the FIM and Dorna, in consultation with IRTA and MSMA, have decided that, until mid-November, MotoGP will remain in Europe to do as many European MotoGP events as we are able to. Therefore, overseas events, if at all possible, should be scheduled after mid-November – which would be too late in the year for the Motul Grand Prix of Japan to be held.
“For this reason it has been decided, in consultation with Mobilityland, that the Motul Grand Prix of Japan cannot be held in 2020. I very much thank Mobilityland for the support given to MotoGP.
“On behalf of Dorna, I would also like to thank all the fans for their understanding and patience as we wait for the situation to improve. We very much look forward to returning to Motegi next year.”
May 29:
British and Australian Grands Prix Canceled
The FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports regret to announce the cancellation of the British and Australian Grands Prix. The ongoing coronavirus outbreak and resulting calendar changes have obliged the cancellation of both events.
This is a press release from MotoGP…
The British Grand Prix was set to take place August 28-30 at the classic Silverstone Circuit. Silverstone hosted the first Grands Prix held on the British mainland from 1977, and MotoGP returned to the illustrious track ten years ago. 2020 will now sadly mark the first year MotoGP sees no track action in the British Isles for the first time in the Championship’s more than 70-year history.
The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix was set to take place at the legendary Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit October 23-25. Phillip Island hosted the very first Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in 1989 and since 1997 has been the only home of MotoGP Down Under—with its unique layout providing some of the greatest battles ever witnessed on two wheels.
The cancellation of the British Grand Prix also obliges the cancellation of the corresponding British Talent Cup track activity at the same event.
Stuart Pringle, Silverstone Managing Director: “We are extremely disappointed about the cancellation of the British MotoGP event, not least as the cancelled race in 2018 is still such a recent memory, but we support the decision that has had to be taken at this exceptional time.
“I want to thank the stoic British fans for their patience and support. We must now look forward to 2021 when Silverstone will once again host the fastest and most historic MotoGP race on the calendar and work hard to make it a truly exceptional event for all to enjoy.”
Paul Little AO, Australian Grand Prix Corporation Chairman: “We’re very disappointed that MotoGP fans throughout Victoria, Australia and internationally won’t get the chance to make the pilgrimage to see the world’s best riders compete on one of the best circuits anywhere in the world, but the right decision has been made.
“The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix puts Phillip Island on the global stage and it’ll be back better than ever in 2021.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports: “We’re saddened to have to announce the cancellation of these iconic events after finding no way through the logistical and operational issues resulting from the pandemic and rearranged calendar. Silverstone and Phillip Island are always two of the most thrilling race weekends of the season, with both tracks never failing in their promise to deliver some of the closest racing in our Championship.
“On behalf of Dorna, I would like to once again extend my thanks to the fans for their understanding and patience as we wait for the situation to improve. We look forward to returning to Silverstone and Phillip Island next year for more incredible battles.”
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To see what other races have been canceled, visit Canceled and Postponed Races Announced
Click here for all the latest MotoGP news.
