Japan joins cancelled list, no flyaways before mid-November

This year's Japanese MotoGP has become the sixth event to be officially cancelled, due to the coronavirus.

The Motegi race was due to be held on October 18, between Thailand (October 4) and Malaysia (November 1).

A big question mark currently hangs over all non-European events and Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta has now confirmed that, if the remaining Asian flyaways are held this year, it will not be on their scheduled dates.

Instead, any overseas rounds will be delayed until after mid-November. Sepang and Buriram are still seen as the most likely flyaway candidates, pending public access, but COTA and Termas de Rio Hondo also remain on the calendar.

The mid-November date also suggests the Valencia (European) finale could be moved forwards on the final line-up.

"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," Ezpeleta said.

“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.”

Kaoru Tanaka, President, Mobilityland Corporation, commented: “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.”

The heavily revised 2020 European MotoGP season is expected to comprise of events at Jerez, Brno, Red Bull Ring, Aragon, Misano, Barcelona and Valencia, with Le Mans also a possibility. Some of the events will feature two rounds on consecutive weekends.