The first race of the new MotoGP season is canceled. The organizers of the Motorcycle World Championship canceled the Qatar Grand Prix in Losail planned for the coming week on Sunday. The reason given were travel regulations for flights from Italy that apply due to the new corona virus. For example, people arriving directly from Italy or who have been in Italy in the past two weeks must be quarantined for 14 days after arriving in Qatar.
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Because of the “indispensable role” that Italy is playing for the World Cup, the decision to cancel was made, it is said. Six of the 22 regular drivers come from Italy, including superstar Valentino Rossi. The country is most affected by the epidemic in Europe. By Sunday evening, 1128 cases had been confirmed, 29 people had died of the new lung disease Covid-19.
No cancellation by Moto2 and Moto3
Moto2 and Moto3 are not affected by the stricter regulations, as the drivers and teams were already in Qatar due to the recent test drives. From February 22nd to 24th, the MotoGP riders had also tested on the Losail International Circuit, but then started their journey home again.
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The list of canceled sporting events due to the corona virus is getting longer. Among other things, the Formula 1 race in China was already canceled in mid-April, according to SPIEGEL information, further cancellations of Formula 1 races are also possible. The extent to which the start of the MotoGP season is delayed is unclear.
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