Like Formula 1, MotoGP will not escape changes to the 2021 calendar. On Tuesday afternoon it was announced that the pre-season test at the Sepang circuit could not take place. The Malaysian government has declared a state of emergency.
For a long time it seemed that the pre-season tests could go ahead as planned. The track bosses, all the organisers involved and the Malaysian government had initially agreed that the February event could go ahead under strict conditions, but a rapid increase in positive coronavirus tests was not expected.
The first test week (of three days) has therefore been cancelled, which means that only one week remains. From 10 to 12 March, the teams will test in Qatar. Two weeks later the season will start at the Losail International Circuit.
However, it remains to be seen whether all of that can go ahead. In a statement, MotoGP said: “Any further updates or changes will be provided as soon as possible.” Rumour has it that the April races in America and Argentina will be cancelled and that the season could even start in Europe as it did in 2020.
