The coronavirus crisis which has confined practically half of the planet's population is forcing everyone responsible for an activity to review their copy. The traditional formats that we thought were acquired forever today seem like relics of a bygone era while we grope to guess which one will be shaped by this pandemic. And that we are assured is different. What was lost would therefore not be found. In Grand Prix, the course of the meeting would for example need to be reviewed, if only to honor as many deadlines as possible in what remains of this season. KTM ensures its total open-mindedness in this regard. But the brand also specifies that before resuming competition, it will be necessary to take a test to get back into shape...
The Grand Prix over three days from Friday to Sunday and one meeting per circuit in front of crowded stands, this is the pattern that we have always known. But that was before the coronavirus. This pandemic has shattered the most anchored certainties and opened the way to new reflections. At the house of KTM, we thus summarize the situation quite well by already assuring the promoter Dorna of his membership.
The sports boss of a confined Mattighofen factory comments: “ the discussion about the possibility of holding two world championship races per class in the same place is not as complicated for me as for some colleagues. I'm used to it from motocross for 30 years. We always had two races to do in this category »
A model that could be implemented in MotoGP after the coronavirus. But Pete Beirer doesn’t just stop there: “ If, in this emergency situation, we happen to have a round of the World Championship by class only on Saturday and Sunday, at KTM we will not object. If we can entertain and satisfy many sponsors, partners, fans and friends, why not? I'm the last person who isn't open to such a thing. At the moment, no sensible or useful solution can be ruled out. Not even two-day events »
The other novelty, but less pleasing, could be the Grand Prix behind closed doors: “ In my opinion, our sport lives on the passion of the spectators. This is why, at least in a transition phase, you can celebrate some Grands Prix without spectators. We got used to it in Qatar. But if such a concept helps us survive in this emergency situation and the first three races of the summer are only approved without an audience, we will have to accept it »
The fact remains that when the green light is given to finally launch into the fray, it will first be necessary to warm up to find the rhythm. We are talking here about a preliminary test. We don't know where and when it would take place, but KTM assures that the principle is already acquired: “ it's planned and this is very important because we cannot immediately put the drivers into action and ask them to immediately perform well in these conditions. » It remains to be seen, as said Carmelo Ezpeleta itself, when we can finally get started…
