MotoGP cancels Qatar opener due to coronavirus outbreak

Brad Binder’s MotoGP debut is on hold as the coronavirus outbreak has resulted in the cancellation of the premier class’ season-opener in Qatar.

Rumours suggest he may even have to wait until May’s Spanish GP to get his season underway.

MotoGP cancels Qatar season-opener

Seven days before the big boys were scheduled to take to the Losail circuit for the season-opening MotoGP race, the premier class event has been cancelled.

MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 were all down to race in Qatar on 8 March. However, only the latter two will race now.

The Moto2 and Moto3 riders and their teams are already at the Losail circuit having taken part in a recent test.

But as the MotoGP lads were not there and with many coming from Italy, which has seen an outbreak of the coronavirus, travel restrictions mean teams would be short personnel.

As such FIM has decided to cancel the MotoGP event.

The FIM Statement read:

“Due to Qatar travel restrictions brought into force affecting passengers from Italy (amongst other countries), the premier class will not race at Losail.

“FIM, IRTA and Dorna regret to announce the cancellation of all MotoGP class sessions at the Grand Prix of Qatar, including the race.

“The ongoing coronavirus outbreak has resulted in Qatar travel restrictions being brought into force that affect passengers from Italy, amongst other countries. As of today, all passengers arriving at Doha on direct flights from Italy, or having been in Italy in the past 2 weeks, will be taken straight to quarantine for a minimum of 14 days.

“Italy clearly plays a vital role in the Championship and in the MotoGP class – both on track and off – and therefore the decision has been taken to cancel premier class competition.

“As the teams and riders of the Moto2 and Moto3 classes were already in Qatar for the three-day official test at Losail International Circuit earlier this week, the races of both categories will be possible. The lightweight and intermediate classes will therefore compete in their season opener from the 6th to 8th March.

“The same will apply to the Asia Talent Cup, which will have two races during the Qatar Grand Prix as originally planned. Stay tuned for a revised schedule.”

Binder’s debut on hold

Qatar’s cancellation means South African rider Binder will have to wait to make his debut.

This season the 24-year-old from Potchefstroom is stepping up to the premier class after finishing runner-up to Alex Marquez in last year’s Moto2 championship.

Binder, the 2016 Moto3 World Champ, will race for KTM.

“Sad to hear the first GP of the year in Qatar has been cancelled,” he said on social media.

“I was really excited to get my first race underway… stay safe and healthy everyone.”

What about Thailand, USA and Argentina?

Although MotoGP has only officially cancelled the premier class’ Qatar event, rumours suggestion Thailand could also be dropped.

Thailand has 43 recorded cases of Covid-19 with the Bangkok Post reporting that one man, a 35-year-old Thai national, had died as a result.

MotoGP is scheduled to race in Thailand on 22 March before heading to America, 5 April, and then Argentina, 19 April.

Those two races are also under threat as more countries tighten travel restrictions.

Should all three be cancelled, the MotoGP season will only get underway in Spain on 3 May.