The 2020 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix has been cancelled amid the global Covid-19 pandemic.
The event was set to be staged around the storied Phillip Island GP Circuit on October 23-25, but travel restrictions and strict quarantine measures have forced event organisers to pull the plug on the event.
With the cancellation of the Rolex Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix back in March, the annulment of the MotoGP round now means the Australian Grand Prix Corporation will have seen neither of their events for 2020 fall through.
“We’re very disappointed that MotoGP fans throughout Victoria, Australia and internationally won’t get the chance to make the pilgrimage to see the world’s best riders compete on one of the best circuits anywhere in the world, but the right decision has been made,” said AGPC Chairman, Paul Little.
“The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix puts Phillip Island on the global stage and it’ll be back better than ever in 2021.”
Three-time winner of his home race Mick Doohan added his condolences for the cancellation of an event which has been held at Phillip Island every year since 1997.
“Phillip Island is renowned for hosting the MotoGP, along with some of the best racing on the calendar every year, but unfortunately due to COVID-19, this year will be the first year since 1997 it hasn’t been held,” said Doohan.
“The race will return in 2021 and provide an opportunity to make it one of the biggest and best attended MotoGP events we’ve seen, plus watch Miller take the win.”
The news comes along with the cancellation of the British Grand Prix which was scheduled to be staged in late August, marking the second time in three years the race at Silverstone has been called off after weather conditions put an end to the 2018 event.
A provisional revised 2020 MotoGP calendar sees the season kick off with back-to-back races at Jerez on July 19 and 26 pending Spanish government approval.