Motorsport across formats has suffered extensively this year, due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. After the initial spate of cancellations, the schedules were reworked for a later duration. In the case of MotoGP, the revised calendar means the season is set to kick off on July 19 at Jerez, Spain, and would then continue with at least 13 races, with at least four more still under negotiation.
But now the FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme), IRTA (International Road-Racing Teams Association) and Dorna Sports have together announced the cancellation of the 2020 Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas, which was to be held at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, USA in November. The decision has been taken considering the ongoing coronavirus crisis in the country, and the resulting complications mean the event, the dates for which had not even been confirmed, has been ruled out for the duration of the 2020 MotoGP World Championship season.
Not only does the cancellation leave only the Argentine, Thai, and Malaysian GP on the list of unconfirmed races, but it might also have an effect on the Formula 1, as the circuit is being considered as a possible venue. Irrespective of the cancellation, the mood at the venue is far from pensive, with preparations set to restart proceedings for April next year, said a tweet from Dorna.
More about the track
The Circuit of the Americas is a FIA Grade 1 (capable of handling a world-championship race) 5.514km track comprising 20 corners located in Austin, Texas, USA. Along with MotoGP and Formula 1, the circuit also hosts the IndyCar Classic, the FIM Road Racing World Championship and the Americas Rallycross Championship.
It has previously also hosted the Australian V8 Supercars, the American Le Mans Series, the Rolex Sports Car Series, the FIA World Endurance Championship, and the IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Speaking of the MotoGP races at the venue, and Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez holds the unofficial record of the maximum number of wins here, with an astonishing six consecutive wins (2013 to 2018), while Suzuki Ecstar’s Alex Rins won the 2019 race.