Qatar offers Covid-19 vaccinations to MotoGP paddock

Qatar, host for the ongoing 2021 MotoGP pre-season tests and upcoming opening rounds, has offered to vaccinate the MotoGP paddock against Covid-19.

However it is not clear how many teams and riders plan to take up the offer, with some riders told not to discuss the issue with the media on Thursday.

The full statement from Dorna can be seen below:

The State of Qatar has significantly ramped-up its COVID-19 vaccination program in 2021, and as a result of this progress, it is able to offer all travelling members of the MotoGP Paddock access to the vaccine.

Qatar and MotoGP have been partners since 2004, when Losail International Circuit first joined the calendar, and Qatar has opened the MotoGP calendar every year since 2007.

This season Qatar will host all pre-season testing for all classes of the Championship, as well as the first two Grands Prix, with the entire MotoGP family being present in Qatar for up to five weeks.

To ensure the health and safety of the entire tour while they are in Qatar and on their continued travels around the world this season, the Government of the State of Qatar has offered MotoGP access to COVID-19 vaccines.

All members of the Championship, including those working and travelling within the MotoGP paddock, will have the chance to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

The vaccination program is aimed at increasing the personal safety of all those on-site. It will offer increased protection for those in the MotoGP paddock and all those that come into contact with it as the sport travels the world this season.

Qatar has provided incredible sporting moments and many milestones have been achieved together, and it is an honour to add another, even more vital for the longstanding collaboration. The FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports would like to thank the State of Qatar for offering this incredible opportunity to the MotoGP family which will help minimise any risk to the future of the Championship and all its members.