MotoGP has announced the first changes to the 2021 calendar as a result of the evolution of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The program of the FIM MotoGP World Championship has been updated, after the pre-season tests that traditionally take place in February in Sepang Malaysia were already cancelled and will now begin on March 6 at the Losail circuit.
The Qatar Grand Prix will open the season from March 26 to 28 as planned and this same stage will host a second event, from April 2 to 4, as has just been officially confirmed.
Meanwhile, Austin and Argentina, the two races that followed Qatar, cause a loss until the last quarter of the year and Portugal enters among the great races in European territory.
The Algarve International Autodrome Circuit, in Portugal, will host the third round of the Championship, from April 16 to 18, before the paddock heads to the Jerez Circuit- Angel Nieto, as planned.
The current COVID-19 pandemic and the relevant restrictions and complications force the postponement of both the GP of Argentina and the GP of the Americas until the last quarter of 2021.
Dorna boss Carmelo Ezpeleta said he wanted to convey a message of tranquility regarding the changes in the calendar and if even a small number of events are possible, races will go ahead.
“We continue to depend on the criteria of the health authorities of each country depending on how the pandemic evolves,” Dorna said.
“We are committed to complying with the calendar on the dates already agreed with the organisers of the great prizes. It is true the current situation has forced us to postpone the tests in the USA and Argentina since it was difficult to travel there in this context, but we hope to continue with our plans.” Dorna added.
