MotoGP | Coronavirus: MotoGP resumption, Ezpeleta (Dorna) takes stock of the situation

MotoGP Coronavirus Covid-19 – The MotoGP, like Formula 1 and all other sports, is still at a standstill due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Formula 1 has already presented the calendar, while MotoGP should do so next week. It should start in Jerez on July 19th and race on the same track again the following week.

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna, a company that holds both the MotoGP and Superbike rights, analyzed the developments and outlined a glimpse of what the 2020 season could be.

Statements Carmelo Ezpeleta CEO Dorna MotoGP 2020

“We had several fruitful meetings and above all we had a very fruitful meeting with the producers, we presented the protocol to them before presenting it to the Spanish and subsequently to other authorities. We agreed on some things, we gave them the opportunity to explain to us what they think of the different possibilities. It has been very profitable and we have also approved the number of engines depending on the number of races we will have this season. We also talked about the needs for the future, but essentially about getting an idea of ​​the protocol and then approving the situation regarding the engines in the 2020 season.”

Statements Carmelo Ezpeleta CEO Dorna non-European races MotoGP 2020

“This is something I talked about in the meeting: the calendar we hope to present next week will see the first race on July 19th in Jerez. And the last race of that calendar will be at the beginning of November, with 12 or 13 races. As far as non-European races are concerned, we still have to decide. Four non-European races have not been cancelled: Thailand, Malaysia, America and Argentina, so we will be seeking approval and we have a deadline of the end of July to tell everyone whether we will continue with them or stop. After the first two races we will see if the calendar will be 12, 14 or a maximum of 16 races.”

Statements Carmelo Ezpeleta CEO Dorna resumption of testing and training MotoGP 2020

“It's good that the riders are back on track to train. When we heard that some circuits had the idea of ​​having professionals ride, we thought it was a great idea. In fact, we knew for some riders they were doing motocross and things like that, it was very helpful for everyone. It was nice to see them happy, they haven't had a test since before Qatar. It's important to get started and they are eager to start again! ”

Statements Carmelo Ezpeleta CEO Dorna MotoGP paddock 2020

“In principle, we want to isolate the paddock from other things and there will be no connection between the permanent people working on the circuit and the MotoGP family. The paddock will be approximately 1300 strong and we have increased the number of members from each manufacturer for the MotoGP class to five. The numbers for Moto2 and Moto3 remain the same as originally indicated.”

Statements Carmelo Ezpeleta CEO Dorna Superbike 2020

“WorldSBK and FIM CEV Repsol are defining another protocol, they are connected to the national federations. All protocols relating to any FIM championship are linked to the FIM and the FIM is the final party that approves the protocols. It's the same for World Superbike and they will also present their protocol to any national federation.”