Sepang MotoGP test plans 'proceeding', awaiting government go ahead

While awaiting final approval by the Malaysian Government, plans are currently 'proceeding' to hold next month's opening 2021 MotoGP tests and Petronas Yamaha team launch at Sepang.

The tests would mark MotoGP's first non-European outing since widespread coronavirus restrictions began almost one year ago.

Sepang MotoGP test plans 'proceeding', awaiting government go ahead

While awaiting final approval by the Malaysian Government, plans are currently 'proceeding' to hold next month's opening 2021 MotoGP tests and Petronas Yamaha team launch at Sepang.

The tests would mark MotoGP's first non-European outing since widespread coronavirus restrictions began almost one year ago.

But with Malaysia's borders currently closed to foreigners unless given formal written approval by the Malaysian Government and a mandatory quarantine in place for those that are allowed to enter, the country's Immigration department needs to give special permission for the MotoGP tests - a Shakedown on February 14-16 followed by the Official test from February 19-21 - to go ahead.

In order to get such approval, MotoGP teams are expecting protocols similar, if not stricter, to those seen during the 2020 racing season - including PCR tests before and after arrival, plus controlled movement and strict 'bubbles' when in Malaysia.

Such protocols will also apply for the official 2021 launch by the local Petronas Yamaha team, scheduled to be held at the Sepang circuit on the eve of the Official test.

At present, no written media are expected to be allowed at the presentation, where new signing Valentino Rossi and team-mate Franco Morbidelli will unveil their 2021 YZR-M1 livery, with the event instead being live-streamed over the internet for journalists and fans.

After Sepang, a second and final test is scheduled for Qatar on March 10-12, venue for the season-opening round on March 28, although the provisional calendar (below) is certain to undergo changes given the ongoing rise in coronavirus cases...

 

Provisional 2021 MotoGP Calendar

Round

Date

Race

Circuit

1

28 March

Qatar

Losail

2

11 April

Argentina

Termas de Rio Hondo

3

18 April

Americas

COTA

4

2 May

Spain

Jerez

5

16 May

France

Le Mans

6

30 May

Italy

Mugello

7

6 June

Catalunya

Barcelona

8

20 June

Netherlands

Assen

9

27 June

Germany

Sachsenring

10

11 July

Finland*

KymiRing

11

 

To Be Decided

 

12

15 August

Austria

Red Bull Ring

13

29 August

Great Britain

Silverstone

14

12 September

Aragon

Aragon

15

19 September

San Marino e Della Riviera di Rimini

Misano

16

3 October

Japan

Motegi

17

10 October

Thailand

Buriram

18

24 October

Australia

Phillip Island

19

31 October

Malaysia

Sepang

20

14 November

Comunitat Valenciana

Ricardo Tormo

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