Racing is top priority for MotoGP organizer, Dorna

Dorna Sports, organizer of MotoGP and WSBK shares official statement on the current season

The global pandemic has taken hold of the world, keeping citizens in their homes and forcing a number of major motor sports and events to be canceled. With the virus showing no signs of slowing down, many fans, particularly of MotoGP, are beginning to wonder if it will even push through.

Dorna Sports, the commercial rights holder for both the MotoGP and World Superbike  (WSBK) championships has released a statement concerning the future of the sport amid the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The official statement hopes to put fans at ease, ensuring them that racing is still a top priority of the organizer. What follows is their official statement.

The coronavirus pandemic is ongoing and has already resulted in revisions to the 2020 calendar for the MotoGP World Championship, including the postponement or rescheduling of a number of events. In light of the continued uncertainty, Dorna Sports would like to reaffirm that racing is our top priority in 2020.

At Dorna, we remain in continuous discussion with the FIM, IRTA, the MSMA and Grand Prix promoters as we closely monitor the situation, keeping channels of communication and support between each pillar of our sport as open as possible. The aim of every party involved is to begin racing again as soon as it is safe to do so.

Our number one focus has always been and will remain on trying to run the 2020 season with as many Grands Prix as possible, finishing within the 2020 calendar year. However, we will always act in line with health and safety advice from governments and relevant health authorities.

If the pandemic continues to put our lives and sport on hold for longer than any of us are able to anticipate and travel restrictions remain in place, only as a last resort would Dorna Sports ever consider discussing cancellation of the 2020 season with the FIM, IRTA and the MSMA.

Our number one focus for WorldSBK is likewise trying to run the 2020 season with as many Rounds as possible once it is safe to do so.

The priority of all parties involved is to race, safely, and bring our fans more of what they love: motorcycle racing.

For now, the MotoGP and WSBK rounds are scheduled to resume later in the year, assuming the situation improves. MotoGP however, has already kicked off the #StayAtHomeGP, a virtual race that includes the sport’s top riders competing in virtual races on the MotoGP game, broadcast live. It has already held the first 2 rounds, which can still be viewed at MotoGP.com.