The specter of the white season seems to recede as the calendar moves closer to summer. A period which would allow MotoGP to finally lift the veil on its 2020 campaign. Provided, however, that the vicious coronavirus resolves to remain discreet. The fact remains that if there is competition, it will be very different from what was expected. This vintage was to be the first with 20 meetings, a contingent never before reached. But we will have to settle for half, which takes us back decades. From a long marathon across the world, we move on to a limited sprint on a continent. And as Fausto Gresini points out, that changes everything…
Fausto Gresini was delighted to learn that there was finally a deadline and location set to kick off the 2020 MotoGP season. It will therefore be the July 19 in Jerez, a Spanish Grand Prix which will precede an unprecedented Andalusian Grand Prix. Then Brno, the Red Bull Ring are expected before Misano, Aragon, Valencia and, why not, Malaysia and Qatar which would close a season that it has only been able to open with Moto2 and Moto3…
« There are currently two scenarios. If we only stay in Europe, that would give us around 12 races. And then, if it were possible at the end of the season to do the races outside Europe with the public in November and December, because without the public it is not possible to do them, we could reach a maximum of 16 » confirmed the CEO of Dorna. The races that will take place in Europe will take place behind closed doors, as can be understood during a pandemic.
The fact remains that it is a different scenario from what had been developed. So much so that it can reveal surprises if some people fail to adapt: “ it changes everything » bluntly warns Fausto Gresini, director of the eponymous team and involved in MotoGP with Aprilia. " I am confident that the championship will be done in a certain way, I believe that when Ezpeleta comes out with a calendar he will have many certainties. It will be a different championship, with surprises. It will further reward the “sprint” of consistency ».
“Dorna a réussi à sauver les équipes, pas seulement celles du MotoGP”
« Being more comfortable in the first races will definitely give you an advantage and there may also be surprises, because the winter tests showed us different things than in the past. This year the tires have also changed, there may be someone who still needs time to adapt the chassis. Whoever is already there can benefit from the first Grands Prix. It will be less obvious » evaluates Gresini.
Public chat Moto.it, the Italian does not forget to salute the efforts of Carmelo Ezpeleta who have allowed the paddock to get through this ordeal so far without incident: “ Dorna managed to save teams, not just those in MotoGP. Due to lack of income, Ezpeleta's help is essential. At this point, all parties involved have worked hard to set the rules, beyond 2020. We all have to work and run. This virus will change everything. You have to try to find positive aspects to start again »
« In the World Championship we have the advantage of having a single point of contact, which is Carmelo Ezpeleta, who over the years has shown his lucidity and collaboration with everyone. He listened to all the advice. He is authoritative and competent. This gives us great security. He has the support of all parties involved and if MotoGP has become big, it is Ezpeleta's credit. » A real sincere tribute.
