Malaysian MotoGP status to be announced later

KUALA LUMPUR: The status of the 2021 Malaysian World Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP), scheduled to be held at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) from Oct 22-24, will be announced later this month.

SIC chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif said they would take into account the current Covid-19 situation, adding that they were still holding talks with the Health Ministry and the National Security Council (MKN) in a bid to reach a decision regarding the hosting of the MotoGP.

He said that the SIC had previously presented to the Health Ministry and MKN the proposed standard operating procedure (SOP) to be taken should the race be held.

He added that the SIC would also hold further talks with Dorna Sports, as holders of the exclusive commercial and broadcast rights of the MotoGP, for a final decision on the hosting of the MotoGP.

“We definitely want to host it but, due to the constraints of the current situation, the Health Ministry has set strict conditions to ensure that there is no increase in Covid-19 cases. So, they (Dorna Sports) need to comply with whatever is stipulated,” he said at the virtual media conference yesterday.

In July, the 2021 Malaysian MotoGP that was scheduled for Oct 29-31 was brought forward by a week following the cancellation of the Australian GP for the second straight season.

The Australian MotoGP at the Phillip Island Circuit was supposed to be held from Oct 22-24 but was cancelled due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in travel complications and logistical restrictions.

Last year’s Malaysian MotoGP, which was supposed to be held from Oct 30-Nov 1, was also cancelled due to the pandemic. – Bernama