The big news is that the 2020 MotoGP season will take place entirely in Europe, it has been announced, with the final three rounds, due to take place in Argentina, Thailand and Malaysia, cancelled.
Following the COVID-19 cancellations, a revised, Spain-heavy calendar was announced last month, with four flyaway races provisionally penciled in at the end of the season. When the US Grand Prix was scrapped, that became three, and Dorna has confirmed today that those will not go ahead either.
Instead, a single, 14th race, is expected to be added at Portimao, Portugal, on 22nd November, with the season finishing a week after it was due to originally. It will be the first season since 1986 that no races have taken place outside of Europe.
In a statement, Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the cancellation of the Argentina, Thailand and Malaysian Grands Prix this season, and they will be very much missed on the 2020 calendar.
“The passion of the fans who often travel across continents to enjoy MotoGP with us in Termas de Rio Hondo, Buriram and Sepang is incredible, creating as they do such an incredible atmosphere and welcome for the sport.
“However, we are delighted to add another Grand Prix in Europe to the 2020 calendar, and reveal our new agreement that will see MotoGP racing in Thailand and Buriram until at least 2026.
“We are very much looking forward to returning to Thailand, Argentina and Malaysia next year and as always, I would like to thank the fans for their patience and understanding.”