The infection starts again with a vengeance and countries are once again cowering in on themselves. Populations are reconfined and, in this atmosphere, major sporting events are once again scheduled. MotoGP, which is three Grands Prix from the end of its reconstructed season since the appearance of COVID-19, is no exception to the rule. Recently, rumors about a cancellation of the final in Portugal, in Portimao, have been heard. Between the fatalism of the pilots and the rigor of the organizers, here are the last elements of the atmosphere…
With the new wave of Coronavirus, pilots must pay particular attention to interpersonal contacts, because there is a high risk of having to stay at home as happened in George Martin ou Valentino Rossi. Maximum care is also recommended during translations, unless you find yourself in the case of a Tony Arbolino who had to withdraw from a Grand Prix because he found himself as a contact case.
An even greater concern for those in the race for the world title. The free weekend before embarking on the three Grands Prix of the three coming weekends was experienced under surveillance: “ I tried to respect the rules as best I could " commented Franco Morbidelli, winner of the last Grand Prix of Teruel. “ I stayed home as much as possible. But I know I have to take a little risk to train and prepare for races ».
For its part, Andrea Dovizioso, who remains in the running for the title, despite all his difficulties, wants to be fatalistic: “ the situation is difficult for everyone, some are more cautious, others less. In my opinion we should try to be as careful as possible and follow the rules in the best way possible » pointed out Dovi. “ But I don't think we have control over the situation. Nobody controls it. I'm trying to be careful, but honestly I'm not too worried, I'm trying to see her in a more relaxed way, for the simple reason that I don't think I can 100% avoid getting infected ».
The health protocol explained
Strict restrictions, however, prove effective even if they are truly restrictive: “ teams have very strict rules » recalls the same Dovizioso. " Thursday I'm barely allowed to speak with my team. It's clear that the stakes are very high, so it's fair to try to do everything. But like I said, we can't have everything under control ».
It's the Dr Angel Charter who is responsible for ensuring that the medical protocol put in place in the paddock is respected. He explains its daily application as follows: “ when the pandemic broke out, which hit us in Qatar, we started working because our idea was to return, we wanted to return “, the doctor told the official Motogp.com website.
To establish health rules inside the paddock, WHO guidelines were followed to the letter. “ We have an app that tells us if someone is positive or not. We focused on the official protocols that WHO was publishing and we started all the mechanisms and all the preparation of the Covid protocol. After four or five months, we did constant PCR testing. We have an APP that gives us the colors, green or red, whether they can pass or not. Additionally, we doctors do sample tests to see if they are positive or not ».
« If they are positive, we know who they have been with thanks to the protocol we have in place If a pilot wakes up with symptoms or has a fever, they can enter all those sensations into the app. Every day at 8 a.m., the Dr Angel Charter and the entire championship medical team receive this information and can begin to proceed according to protocol. Meanwhile at Portimao, fear of the second wave of Coronavirus is growing. The presence of the public is already to be forgotten. But the Grand Prix is still maintained. For the moment…
