The 2020 MotoGP season opener in Qatar has been called off due to the coronavirus crisis.
The first round of the season was set to be held at the Losail International Circuit this coming weekend, but the Qatari government has announced additional restrictions on Italian and Japanese citizens from entering the Middle Eastern country in fresh attempts to halt the spread of coronavirus.
MotoGP organisers FIM announced late on Sunday night that the opening round will be cancelled for the premier class.
Moto2 and Moto3 will still go ahead, owing to the middleweight and lightweight class already being in the Qatar paddock after a three-day test that concluded on Sunday.
The cancellation throws the remainder of MotoGP’s flyaway races into doubt, with races in Thailand, USA and Argentina likely to be affected as teams scramble to reorganise their freight.
Many teams have left their garages unpacked following last week’s test, meaning that some squads will have to find a solution to their logistical nightmare.
The Race has heard speculation that the opening round of the series could happen in Texas on April 5th, with teams preparing to send freight straight to the Circuit of the Americas, which was initially the third round of the championship.
