Spanish football forces MotoGP season opener date change?

The 2015 MotoGP world championship campaign was due to kick off under the Losail International Circuit floodlights in Qatar on March 22.

The date was agreed in meetings during last weekend’s Misano MotoGP round, but it is likely to put back one week to March 29 because of a major TV clash with the biggest football match in the domestic Spanish calendar.

It was only after the March 22 date was agreed that MotoGP management realised that Barcelona host Real Madrid on the same day.

The game is almost certain to kick off in the evening for TV, which would mean the traditional night race in Doha would clash.

A date change for the MotoGP season opener to March 29 is the likeliest outcome, though all will be revealed when a provisional calendar is unveiled during the forthcoming Motorland Aragon race in Spain.