The coronavirus is an epidemic that no longer needs to be introduced and which first impacts South East Asia while spreading to the rest of the world. It all started with a China that has been living almost in quarantine, which means that it is no longer realistic to envisage the slightest large-scale demonstration bringing together a significant mass of the population. In fact, the Formula 1 Grand Prix which should take place there has been postponed indefinitely. On March 8, in Qatar, the MotoGP season will be launched, before heading to the second meeting on the calendar, Thailand…
However, the Thailand is in the risk zone of this coronavirus of which no vaccine is known. Will the Grand Prix paddock still go there on Mar 22s next? In Thailand, 33 cases have so far been confirmed and one person is said to be in critical condition. After China, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong, it is the country most affected by the disease identified with the acronym COVID-19.
During the last MotoGP test in Malaysia, country with 19 confirmed infections, teams and drivers had to follow a series of hygiene and health recommendations as a preventative measure. But the growing number of coronavirus infections and deaths is forcing Dorna to assess what needs to be done. Relations with the organizers of the Thailand Grand Prix delved deeper to find out the government's position on the fight against diseases.
Carmelo Ezpeleta now waiting for a response: “ we are going to Qatar in complete safety, because they guaranteed us that there was no danger » he told AS. “ But before going to Thailand, we requested information from its government and we are waiting for a response »
The CEO of Dorna stressed that if a negative answer was given, another date would be set, reiterating that “ Pilot safety is always the priority. " Moreover, Jorge Lorenzo and Yamaha must take a private test in early April at Motegi, in Japan. In view of the situation, there is a risk of a change of plan because in the land of the rising sun coronavirus cases have experienced exponential growth over the last two days, including one death. According to medical authorities, the peak of this disease has not yet been reached.
