MotoGP has just announced the upcoming round in Thailand has been postponed, although officials are working on putting together a race there at a different date.
The reason, of course, is fear of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. Concerns over the disease have resulted in quarantine measures in the country of Qatar, which resulted in the cancellation of the GP race there this coming weekend (although Moto2 and Moto3 will still run). Now, authorities in Thailand have called the whole race weekend off in that country. It was set to run March 22.
No doubt it’s seen as a practical 1-2 punch at fighting COVID-19. First, the cancellation means no racers or other personnel from already-affected countries (particularly, Italy) will enter Thailand. Second, it means there’ll be no large public gathering that weekend aiding the spread of the virus for those already infected in Thailand.
Here’s what ran on MotoGP.com this morning:
Thailand Grand Prix postponed
Due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, the decision has been taken to postpone the Thai GP
As the global outbreak of coronavirus continues to develop, the Thai government has communicated that it won’t be possible to hold the OR Thailand Grand Prix on its original date. The FIM, IRTA and Dorna therefore regret to announce that the event, due to be held on the 22nd of March in Buriram, has been postponed.
The FIM, IRTA and Dorna are currently evaluating if an alternative date is possible for the event later this season.
Further updates will be published as soon as available.
For now, that’s all MotoGP is saying. Of course, there are going to be questions now about the American race, in Texas during the first weekend of April. Will Italian riders and teams be able to enter the country at that point? Stay tuned, because we don’t have the answers right now, although we’re hopeful to learn more soon.
