Moto2, Moto3 pre-season tests moved from Jerez to Qatar
MotoGP organisers FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports have announced that the lone official Moto2 and Moto3 pre-season test, due to take place in Jerez on March 16-18, will now be moved to Losail, Qatar on March 19-21.
The Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup will also be on track for pre-season testing on the same days. Each class will have their own sessions.
'The change of venue for Moto2 and Moto3 has been agreed in order to create the safest and most efficient pre-season testing programme possible for the FIM MotoGP World Championship, minimising the travel necessary for each class and ensuring the first two grands prix of the season are able to take place safely and securely," explained a statement from Dorna.
The decision also indicates that MotoGP fully expects the Qatar tests and races to proceed as planned, despite that the 2021 world championship might need to start in Europe.
The MotoGP class has not held an official test or race outside of Europe since last February's Qatar test, but Moto2 and Moto3 were able to race at Losail last March.
2021 MotoGP testing is due to be held in Qatar from March 5-7 and 10-12, with the season-opening night race scheduled for March 28.
Provisional 2021 MotoGP Calendar – January Update | |||
Round | Date | Race | Circuit |
1 | 28 March | Qatar (Evening race) | Losail |
2 | 4 April | Doha (Evening race) | Losail |
3 | 18 April | Portugal | Portimao |
4 | 2 May | Spain | Jerez |
5 | 16 May | France | Le Mans |
6 | 30 May | Italy | Mugello |
7 | 6 June | Catalunya | Barcelona |
8 | 20 June | Germany | Sachsenring |
9 | 27 June | Netherlands | Assen |
10 | 11 July | Finland (Subject to homologation) | KymiRing |
11 | 15 August | Austria | Red Bull Ring |
12 | 29 August | Great Britain | Silverstone |
13 | 12 September | Aragon | Aragon |
14 | 19 September | San Marino e Della Riviera di Rimini | Misano |
15 | 3 October | Japan | Motegi |
16 | 10 October | Thailand | Buriram |
17 | 24 October | Australia | Phillip Island |
18 | 31 October | Malaysia | Sepang |
19 | 14 November | Comunitat Valenciana | Ricardo Tormo |
Postponed Grands Prix: | |||
Argentina | Termas | ||
Americas | COTA | ||
Reserve Grand Prix Venues: | |||
Indonesia (Subject to homologation) | Mandalika | ||
2021 Pre-season Testing: | |||
5 March | Qatar Shakedown Test | Losail | |
6-7 March | Qatar Official Test | Losail | |
10-12 March | Qatar Official Test | Losail |