MotoGP | Coronavirus: Ezpeleta (Dorna), “Without a vaccine the MotoGP won't start”

MotoGP Coronavirus Covid-19 – The MotoGP championship is stopped due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Moto3 and Moto2 races in Qatar seem light years away (they raced exclusively because they were already present at the Losail International Circuit for the winter tests, ed.) and the MotoGP has never taken to the track and risks not doing so in 2020.

Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, who has always tried to be optimistic, perhaps holding races from September onwards, spoke for the first time about the possible cancellation of all events. Here's what Ezpeleta told our colleagues at Speedweek.com.

Statements Carmelo Ezpeleta CEO Dorna cancellation MotoGP 2020

“I think that until we have vaccines to stop the spread of the coronavirus, it will be very difficult or impossible to organize grand prix and other major events. Even if life “normalizes” again, travel bans will remain in place in all countries. So it will not be possible for large numbers of people to watch a live football match or attend a MotoGP event. I'm not very confident, I don't think we will be able to race the 2020 season, but we continue to work hard to organize it. We consider all possible solutions.”

Statements Carmelo Ezpeleta CEO Dorna reduction of 2020 MotoGP races

“In case of force majeure, we can reduce the number of Grands Prix (13 races are currently the minimum number of events for a valid world championship, ed.). We will have fewer races, but I'm not worried. We could still have world champions. Frankly, if we have the chance to restart the world championship, we will do it. It doesn't matter how many races. We have more than five months until September. If we could start in September, we could still manage more than four or five grands prix. We could then flip the calendar: maybe run some races in Europe and then travel to Asia if the travel bans are ended, it will depend on how the situation develops around the world. As soon as we see the green light, we will be able to react and do everything we can. We will organize every race we can manage this season. However, it is important to ensure the safety and health of everyone involved. If anyone gets infected at one of our events, we will be blamed forever. We can still survive if we have to completely cancel the 2020 MotoGP. If that happens we will have to accept it and prepare for the 2021 season in a timely and conscientious manner. Helping teams survive financially is also a priority at the moment. We will continue to pay every month, even if there is no race.”