Finland’s return to the MotoGP calendar has been postponed amid the global Covid-19 pandemic.
The country was set to host its first Grand Prix motorcycle event since 1981 at the newly built KymiRing on July 12 as the provisional season-opener.
“The decision to postpone the Finnish MotoGP race is made by Dorna Sports, which owns rights of the competition,” read a statement issued by the event organisers.
“The Finnish government has recommended that events for more than 500 people not be held before August due to a coronavirus pandemic.
“Decision to postpone the MotoGP Finland competition is made by Dorna Sports and race track owner KymiRing in accordance with the instructions of the Finnish Government.
“Dorna Sport has promised to announce the future of MotoGP Finland as soon as possible.”
The circuit was expected to be revised in the lead up to the July date as manufacturers complained that sections of the track were too slow at an earlier visit to the venue.
The consequent global travel restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic meant that a final track inspection of the circuit would have been impossible before the race was scheduled to go ahead.
The Czech Grand Prix at Brno on August 9 is now pencilled in as the new season-opener.
The following Austrian Grand Prix is already planning to open the Formula 1 season in July with a TV-only double-header event and would likely push ahead with its MotoGP round as well.