Iker Lecuona out of Valencia MotoGP after COVID-19 diagnosis

Iker Lecuona has been forced to withdraw from the 2020 Valencia MotoGP after being diagnosed with coronavirus despite a lengthy quarantine spell beforehand.

The Tech 3 KTM rider was already withdrawn from last weekend’s Valencia event, the first of two to be held at the Ricardo Tormo circuit, after positive tests for his brother and assistant led to him shielding for ten days.

However, despite being given the all clear to return to action in Valencia initially, a positive test on entry to the paddock this morning revealed he has now attained the virus and will thus be forced to enter into self-isolation.

For now Lecuona doesn’t show any symptoms and the team says is remains hopeful a further test will at least allow him the chance to complete his rookie 2020 MotoGP season in Portimao, Portugal next weekend.

"We have sad news today,” Tech 3 boss Herve Ponacharal said. “Although Iker has been tested negative three times, the last test he took this morning at the entrance of the circuit showed positive. 

Therefore, he won’t be able to enter the circuit and participate at the Gran Premio de la Comunitat Valenciana. He will be tested furthermore in order to understand if ever he can fly to Portugal to participate at the last Grand Prix of the season in Portimao."

Lecuona made his MotoGP debut in Valencia last season in place of the injured Miguel Oliveira - he stands to end the 2020 MotoGP season with a best finish of ninth, a feat he has achieved twice this year.