In an exclusive interview on motogp.com, Carmelo Ezpeleta, boss of the promoter Dorna, takes stock of the situation on a MotoGP which is still waiting for the launch of its season. But it is better to wait than to rush, as is currently shown by Formula 1 eaten away by the coronavirus in Australia… The Spaniard holds on to the helm and doesn’t give up…
Mr Ezpeleta, why were the Grands Prix postponed until the end of the year?
Carmelo Ezpeleta : " well, since we started and the coronavirus problem started, we have followed the instructions of all governments. We have been in close contact with the organizers in Austin and Argentina, and when the authorities said it was not possible to race now, we looked at where the other Grands Prix were to try to modify the calendar. Finally we did it and the schedule is now OK if everything continues like this. »
Is the main objective still to have 19 Grands Prix during the 2020 season?
« Of course, as I said during the press conference in Qatar, our desire is to continue the championship with all its races. This is our objective, but as it is something unpredictable, we are monitoring the situation with all governments and in particular with developers. We are in very close contact with the FIM, with the IRTA, with the teams and of course with the promoters, and we are trying at the moment to manage things in very close contact with them. »
As things stand, will the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez be the first round of the MotoGP class season?
« Yes, that's the idea and we are talking with the authorities in Jerez. Today, everything seems OK and there is not the slightest ban. But we will see exactly what the situation is in the near future. »
Are you considering the possibility of holding a Grand Prix behind closed doors for the first time?
« Well, as I have also said over the last few days, we are trying to do the most normal things we can, but if the conditions of the local authorities require that this be done without spectators, we will consider this with the local promoter . »
Are you in contact with the teams?
« We have been in contact with the FIM, with the IRTA, with the teams and with the organizers. Together, we are taking the necessary measures. »
What message would you like to send to MotoGP fans around the world?
« We are expecting a fantastic MotoGP season, we think this season will be great and we expect it to start as soon as possible. We are experiencing a slight delay to the normal schedule but we can start according to the schedule we have now and it will be a truly exciting season. »
