MotoGP intends to start season in
July with races in Jerez
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 [May 07, 2020]
(Reuters) - MotoGP has proposed
starting its season, after months of delay due to the COVID-19
pandemic, with two races on consecutive weekends in July at the
Jerez circuit in southern Spain.
It said in a statement on Thursday that the regional government of
Andalusia, the city council of Jerez and series promoters Dorna had
agreed to make a proposal to the Spanish government.
If approved, Jerez would host MotoGP grands prix on July 19 and 26
as well as a round of the world superbike championship on Aug. 2.
The season-opening race would be designated the Spanish Grand Prix
and the second the Grand Prix of Andalusia.
MotoGP did not give details of how they would stage the races but
all are expected to be run behind closed doors and with only
essential staff.
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said last month he was optimistic of
putting on races from July at circuits where they could be held
easily without spectators.
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He expected an average of 1,600 people at closed-door races, with
manufacturer teams limited to 40 while independent MotoGP outfits
would have to manage with 25. Those in Moto2, one rung down, would
be allowed 20 and Moto3 a maximum of 15.
Spain, one of the European countries worst hit by the new
coronavirus, is gradually relaxing a national lockdown which has
brought the outbreak under control but devastated the economy and
led to significant job losses.
La Liga soccer clubs have a four-step protocol in place to return to
playing matches, without spectators, in June.
The MotoGP season was supposed to start in Qatar on March 8 but that
round was cancelled for the top category because of travel
restrictions. A string of other races have since been postponed.
(Reporting by Alan Baldwin, editing by Christian Radnedge)
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