Malaysian MotoGP testing cancelled due to pandemic

12 January 2021 - 17:52
By Reuters
Valentino Rossi of Italy and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP heads down a straight during the MotoGP pre-season tests at Sepang Circuit on February 9 2020 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Image: Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images Valentino Rossi of Italy and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP heads down a straight during the MotoGP pre-season tests at Sepang Circuit on February 9 2020 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

MotoGP’s pre-season testing in Malaysia has been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, championship organisers said on Tuesday.

The tests - a shakedown and official session - were due to take place at Sepang circuit in February, but Malaysia declared a nationwide state of emergency on Tuesday to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The emergency could last until August 1.

“The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdowns and complications have obliged the cancellation of both events,” MotoGP said.

A test at Qatar’s Losail International Circuit from March 10-12 remained scheduled.

The season is due to to start in Qatar on March 28.