MotoGP confirms the cancellation of the Japan Grand Prix

The 2020 MotoGP Motul Grand Prix of Japan has been called off due to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, the FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports have announced in a joint statement.

Since the season-opening race at Doha was called off, the 2020 MotoGP season has been put on hold. The coronavirus crisis has resulted in the cancellation of the first eight races with the Grand Prix of Japan set to become the latest victim of the uncertain situation around the COVID-19 health crisis.

Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta has expressd his regret for the cancellation of the event that has been part of the MotoGP calendar since 1986.

„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,” he said.

President of the Mobilityland Corporation Kaoru Tanaka has revealed that two factors have led to the cancellation of the race in Japan. The uncertainty around the coronavirus crisis presents unpredictability regarding the travel restrictions all around the world while the Dorna Sports’ decision to remain in Europe for the coming months has also contributed to the cancellation of the grand prix.

“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.”