Depending on the situation, everyone tries to find a solution to get around the health crisis, with more or less success. Several competitors think that competing in all the Grands Prix at the end of the season in a very short time, mainly in October and November, will pose insurmountable problems.
Aki Ajo proposed tests over two days. KTM Motorsport Director Pete Beirer consider another possibility.
Pit, you hoped two weeks ago that there would be at least ten Grands Prix remaining for the 2020 MotoGP World Championship. You meant that this could appoint a World Champion worthy of the name. A lot has happened since then. What is your assessment as of March 27?
“At the time, because of this statement, an incredible uproar crossed the motorsport landscape, it was no longer realistic to look closely at the media reports. »
“I still stick to this assessment, ten Grands Prix would be a goal, maybe there is also a bit of wishful thinking and a dream. »
“If we could put together ten World Championship races in each category, we would have functioning championships, the teams would have some smart work, and then we could do a decent job for our sponsors and our fans. »
“Our goal must always be to put forward reasonable championships. But for this we need a certain freedom of travel, because not everyone can organize the championship alone in their country. »
It is not currently possible to estimate when measures will be relaxed again in Europe. GP destinations like USA, Argentina, Thailand, etc. also closed the borders. In 2020 it will probably only be possible to race in Europe.
“Yes, that’s what we think. If we can organize eight or ten Grands Prix in Europe, everything will be fine. It would be better than not running at all. We must first relax the traffic bans, then allow demonstrations with spectators again. It will take a little longer. »
“Europe just started taking very strict measures that were important. We must now wait for the results of these restrictions. At the same time, the incubation period is 14 days. The number of infected people therefore continues to increase before the trend reverses. »
“And if the number of sick people continues to increase, no one seriously dares to talk about the new MotoGP. But I hope we can use China's numbers as a guide. We then have a period of eight, ten or twelve weeks that we simply have to accept. »
“It can get very violent at this point, before a slowdown occurs. Then we need to restart the systems. If I now calculate three months from April, that is, April, May and June, then a reasonable year is still possible in the second half of the season in July, in the economy as well as in the motorcycle sport or in general in sport. »
The number of infected people is now decreasing as a percentage in many countries where strict measures have been taken. But there will still be no normal situation in July. Risky sports could then remain banned for a while.
“Yes, you have to give yourself some time. I am now preparing for a three-month period during which not much will happen in motorsport. I had been preparing for this for some time. »
“And we cannot be disappointed every day if the situation has not yet improved. There is no logical reason why the spread of the virus can already be contained. But at some point the situation will improve. And we must prepare for this very moment. »
“Austrian politics reacted extremely strongly and decisively. It gave tools to the economy and made 34 billion euros available to guarantee the future of the economy and to keep as many employees as possible. »
“Bavaria then very quickly followed suit, then the rest of Germany. But Austria started with decisive measures, which was very good and important. »
“At the same time, we must now set the course for the future. People need to go out again, especially young people, because they need to restart life and the economic cycle. »
“I assume we will be able to saddle the horses again at the end of June and can prepare to compete in as many World Championship races as possible in the second half of the year. »
Source: Speedweek. com
Photos © Sebas Romero for KTM
