MotoGP lost this morning another piece of his calendar after the announcement of the cancellation of Phillip Island and Silverstone: one of the four Asiatic rounds has been ruled out from the 2020 MotoGP calendar as Motegi is not able to host the Grand Prix in the middle of November.

It is such a shame considering that Japan is the home of some MotoGP manufacturers as Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki, but the ongoing crisis forced to that sad decision, with the organizers who are looking to plan the event for 2021.

At this point it is not sure the future of Buriram and Sepang, which are the two Asiatic rounds left to assign; at the moment both are delayed, but who knows if they are going to be cancelled as well. Same story for Termas and Austin, with their destiny uncertain.

These are the words of Kaoru Tanaka, Mobilityland Corporation President: “Mobilityland has been preparing for this year’s MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix, however the situations in Japan and Europe are unpredictable and the extension of the international travel ban is expected. As a result of our discussions with Dorna, the managerial body of the series, we agreed that we have no choice but to cancel the Japanese GP in order to complete the season. We understand that this is a great disappointment for fans and all related parties. We thank you for your understanding.”

Of course, also Carmelo Ezpeleta is sad about that: “It is with great sadness that we announce the cancellation of the Motul Grand Prix of Japan at the very unique Motegi circuit, meaning we will not have a Japanese Grand Prix on the calendar for the first time since 1986. The MotoGP™ family is working very hard to be able to re-start the racing season and hold as many events as possible, and in the safest way possible. For this reason, the FIM and Dorna, in consultation with IRTA and MSMA, have decided that, until mid-November, MotoGP™ will remain in Europe to do as many European MotoGP™ events as we are able to. Therefore, overseas events, if at all possible, should be scheduled after mid-November – which would be too late in the year for the Motul Grand Prix of Japan to be held. For this reason it has been decided, in consultation with Mobilityland, that the Motul Grand Prix of Japan cannot be held in 2020. I very much thank Mobilityland for the support given to MotoGP™.  On behalf of Dorna, I would also like to thank all the fans for their understanding and patience as we wait for the situation to improve. We very much look forward to returning to Motegi next year.”