Travel bans are set to throw international motorsport such as MotoGP, World Superbkes and the Isle of Man TT into disarray this year.

In a rapidly changing world of travel bans, the first round of the MotoGP at Losail, Qatar, this weekend was cancelled yesterday (2 March 2020).

Then Thailand announced it had postponed the second round, but only hours later cancelled the whole event.

The decisions follow the postponement of the 2020 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix.

Meanwhile, the Moto2 and Moto3 races this weekend in Qatar will still go ahead as the riders were already in the country for testing.

One of the main reasons for the cancellation is that so many riders come from Italy where the contagion has spread rapidly, even causing Vespa and Ducati museums to close.

Ducati museum

Travel bans

Qatar has now enforced a two-week quarantine on direct flights from Italy.

That should also affect the World Superikes which is due to be staged there next weekend (13-15 March 2020).

However, there is no announcement yet about that event.

How far the MotoGP and World Superbikes schedule will be affected is anyone’s guess.

The North and South American MotoGP rounds in April may go aead because they do not have travel bans … yet.

But then the MotoGP and WSBK return to Europe where talk of travel bans is growing.

Even the Isle of Man has issued a statement about its TT events from 30 May to 12 June.

Isle of Mann TT

“The Isle of Man Government is carefully monitoring the Island’s position regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) with a cross-government working group established to regularly review the changing situation,” organisers say.

“While the threat to the public in the Isle of Man remains low, a number of future contingency scenarios are being considered. This is usual practice and is in line with the WHO advice for preparations in case of a pandemic.

“The risk is low and preparations for this year’s TT remain on schedule. Work will continue as usual in order to ensure another successful TT. 

“The Organisers, in partnership with the Department for Enterprise and the Isle of Man Government and in line with experts in the UK, will continue to monitor the situation.”

If we’re stuck at home with this virus there won’t even be anything decent to watch on TV!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com