MOTOGP AXES 2020 AUSTRALIAN AND BRITISH GPS
T
he ongoing coronavirus outbreak worldwide
has taken its toll on yet further sporting
events with Dorna Sports and the FIM
jointly announcing the cancellation of both the
Australian and British MotoGP races for 2020.
The reasons given for the cancellation of both
events, according to a joint statement, was
given as both the ongoing coronavirus outbreak
and resulting calendar changes to the MotoGP
schedule, which organisers say have obliged
them to cancel both events.
The British Grand Prix was set to take place
from the August 28-30 at Silverstone Circuit.
Silverstone hosted the first Grands Prix held
on the British mainland from 1977, and MotoGP
returned to the illustrious track ten years ago.
2020 will now sadly mark the first year MotoGP
sees no track action in the British Isles for the
first time in the Championship’s more than 70-
year history.
“We are extremely disappointed about the
cancellation of the British MotoGP event,
says Silverstone’s Managing Director Stuart
Pringle. “Not least as the cancelled race in 2018
is still such a recent memory, but we support
the decision that has had to be taken at this
exceptional time.
The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix was set to
take place at the legendary Phillip Island Grand
Prix Circuit from the October 23-25. Phillip Island
hosted the very first Australian Motorcycle Grand
Prix in 1989 and since 1997 has been the only
home of MotoGP Down Under – with its unique
layout providing some of the greatest battles
ever witnessed on two wheels.
“We’re very disappointed that MotoGP fans
throughout Victoria, Australia and internationally
won’t get the chance to make the pilgrimage to
see the world’s best riders compete on one of
the best circuits anywhere in the world, but the
right decision has been made, says Paul Little AO,
Australian Grand Prix Corporation Chairman.
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