It's official: there will be no British Grand Prix at Silverstone or Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island in 2020. The two classics will meet us in 2021. Two cancellations which are not a surprise, even if with Formula 1 working on racing there again, England could still be hoped for. This news does not call into question the positive trend of a season launch in Jerez on July 19.
The FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sportss regret to announce the cancellation of the British and Australian Grands Prix. The ongoing coronavirus outbreak and resulting schedule changes have forced the cancellation of both events.
The British Grand Prix was scheduled to take place from August 28 to 30 on the classic circuit of Silverstone. The venue hosted the Grand Prix in Great Britain in 1977, and MotoGP returned to the illustrious circuit ten years ago. 2020 will unfortunately mark the first year that MotoGP will not see action on this track and across the Channel. A first in more than 70 years of championship history.
The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix was to take place on the legendary circuit of Phillip Island du October 23 to 25. Phillip Island hosted the first ever Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in 1989 and since 1997 it has been the only MotoGP venue with its unique layout offering some of the greatest battles ever seen on two wheels.
The cancellation of the British Grand Prix also requires the cancellation of the British Talent Cup activity at the same event.
Stuart pringle, Managing Director of Silverstone commented: “ we are extremely disappointed with the cancellation of the British MotoGP event, especially since the race canceled in 2018 is still a recent memory, but we support the decision that had to be taken at this exceptional moment.
The reunion will take place in 2021
“I would like to thank the stoic British fans for their patience and support. We must now look ahead to 2021, when Silverstone will once again host the fastest and most historic MotoGP race on the calendar, and work hard to make it a truly exceptional event for everyone to enjoy"
Paul Little AO, Chairman of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation added: “ we are very disappointed that MotoGP fans from across Victoria, Australia and around the world will not have the chance to make the pilgrimage to see the world's best riders compete on one of the best circuits around the world, but the right decision was made.
“The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix puts Phillip Island on the world stage and it will be back better than ever in 2021"
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports concludes: “ We are saddened to have to announce the cancellation of these iconic events after finding no way to resolve the logistical and operational issues resulting from the pandemic and the rearrangement of the calendar. Silverstone and Phillip Island are always two of the most thrilling race weekends of the season, with both circuits never failing in their promise to deliver some of the tightest racing in our championship.
“On behalf of Dorna, I would like to thank the fans once again for their understanding and patience while we wait for the situation to improve. We can't wait to return to Silverstone and Phillip Island next year for more incredible battles"
We will recall that before Silverstone et Phillip Island, another Grand Prix monument had to be canceled: Assen.
