MOTOGP CANCELS SEPANG TESTS

MotoGP cancels Sepang tests – Image: LAT

MotoGP has cancelled their scheduled preseason testing that was due to be held 19-21 February at Sepang.

By RHYS VANDERSYDE

The Malaysian venue had been set to take its traditional place as the venue for not only the preseason test, but also the shakedown of the new for 2021 bikes in the week prior.

However, overnight the Malaysian government has declared a state of emergency in the country due to a surge in local COVID-19 cases.

“The FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports regret to announce the cancellation of both the Shakedown Test and the Official Sepang Test.” read a statement from MotoGP organisers.

“The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdowns and complications have obliged the cancellation of both events, which were set to take place at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia in February. ”

“The Qatar Test, currently set to take place at Losail International Circuit from the 10th to the 12th of March, continues to be confirmed and any further updates or changes will be provided as soon as available.”

As it stands currently, the 2021 MotoGP season is still scheduled to get underway in Qatar March 26-28, two weeks after the test at the same venue.

The news follows changes to the Formula 1 calendar for 2021, also due to COVID-19 related restrictions.

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