Another Grand Prix in Europe added to the 2020 calendar: Argentina, Thailand and Malaysia are canceled.
The MotoGP rounds that were tentatively planned for Argentina, Thailand and Malaysia-with dates that yet to be announced- are now officially off the schedule. A round in Europe will close out the season on November 20-22 (at a venue that is expected to be announced on August 10), making it 15 rounds in total for 2020.
The following is the press release from Dorna earlier today:
The FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports regret to announce the cancellation of the Gran Premio Motul de la Republica Argentina, OR Thailand Grand Prix and Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix in 2020. Previously postponed, the ongoing coronavirus outbreak and resulting complications now sadly oblige the cancellation of the events to be confirmed.
However, it can now be revealed that an additional Grand Prix is to be added to the 2020 FIM MotoGP World Championship calendar. After the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana, another race weekend will take place November 20-22 at a venue in Europe, becoming the 2020 season finale. Further details on the host venue will be confirmed on Monday, August 10.
In addition, a new agreement has been reached with the promoters of the Thai GP that confirms Chang International Circuit will remain on the FIM MotoGP World Championship calendar until at least 2026. The racing in Buriram has been incredible since the venue joined the calendar in 2018, with the unique final corner never failing to deliver a thrill. Although the event will sadly not take place in 2020, MotoGP can now look forward to many more years of spectacular battles at one of the flagship motorsport venues in Asia.
Furthermore, Dorna has already begun working with the Promoters of Argentina and Malaysian GPs to define possible dates to propose to the FIM for the events in 2021, with plans in place to welcome fans back to the Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo and Sepang International Circuit, respectively.
The Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo first joined the MotoGP calendar in 2014 and has put on a vibrant Grand Prix every year since. The grandstands are always packed as fans travel to the venue from across Latin America, with Argentinians joined by crowds from Brazil, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Uruguay, Bolivia, Paraguay and more.
Sepang International Circuit is the longest serving venue of the three and first hosted MotoGP in 1999. A true world leader then as now, the track is one of the longest and most challenging of the season, staging some all-time classic races. Sepang also serves up a unique experience for fans sat in the iconic grandstand complex along the main straight and into the final corner, putting spectators into the heart of the action, surrounded by the sound of MotoGP at full throttle.
FIM President Jorge Viegas: “I would like to thank Dorna, all the teams, the national federations and local organisers for enabling us to get back on track. In doing so, we adapt every day and we will have a very complete and competitive FIM MotoGP World Championship in 2020. The location of the 15th Grand Prix will be announced soon, and we will be back – stronger than ever!”
Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta: “It is with great sadness that we announce the cancellation of the Argentina, Thailand and Malaysian Grands Prix this season, and they will be very much missed on the 2020 calendar. The passion of the fans who often travel across continents to enjoy MotoGP with us in Termas de Rio Hondo, Buriram and Sepang is incredible, creating as they do such an incredible atmosphere and welcome for the sport. However, we are delighted to add another Grand Prix in Europe to the 2020 calendar, and reveal our new agreement that will see MotoGP racing in Thailand and Buriram until at least 2026. We are very much looking forward to returning to Thailand, Argentina and Malaysia next year and as always, I would like to thank the fans for their patience and understanding.”
Updated 2020 MotoGP Schedule
8/9 (Rnd 4) Brno, Czech Republic
8/16 (Rnd 5) Spielberg, Austria
8/23 (Rnd 6) Spielberg, Austria
9/13 (Rnd 7) Misano, San Marino
9/20 (Rnd 8) Misano, San Marino
9/27 (Rnd 9) Barcelona-Catalunya
10/11 (Rnd 10) Le Mans, France
10/18 (Rnd 11) Aragon, Spain
10/25 (Rnd 12) Aragon, Spain
11/8 (Rnd 13) Valencia, Spain
11/15 (Rnd 14) Valencia, Spain
11/22 (Rnd 15) TBA
All dates, events and the eventual attendance of spectators are subject to the evolution of the pandemic and the approval of the corresponding Governments and authorities.
