MotoGP: Extra European round added to 2020 calendar as Argentina, Thailand and Malaysia are cancelled

The 2020 MotoGP season will consist of 14 rounds in total after an extra European race was added to the schedule. 

The news follows the decision to officially cancel the rounds of Argentina, Thailand and Malaysia. Those three rounds were previously postponed, but the ongoing coronavirus outbreak and resulting complications have made it impossible to race at those venues this year.

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Despite the disappointment of losing out on those three overseas races, there was some positive news for the Thailand GP in this morning’s FIM statement. 

“A new agreement has been reached with the promoters of the Thai GP that confirms Chang International Circuit will remain on the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship calendar until at least 2026,” the statement reads. “The racing in Buriram has been incredible since the venue joined the calendar in 2018, with the unique final corner never failing to deliver a thrill. Although the event will sadly not take place in 2020, MotoGP™ can now look forward to many more years of spectacular battles at one of the flagship motorsport venues in Asia.”

Dorna has already begun working with the Promoters of Argentina and Malaysian GPs to define possible dates to propose to the FIM for the events in 2021. 

The extra European round will become the season finale and will take place on November 20-22. The circuit has not yet been revealed, but an announcement is scheduled to be made on August 10.

Early rumours suggest that a trip to Portugal could be on the cards, at the Algarve circuit in Portimao. It’s recently been revealed that F1 will visit the circuit for the first time this year. The last Portuguese MotoGP event was held at Estoril in 2012.

Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta added: “We are delighted to add another Grand Prix in Europe to the 2020 calendar and reveal our new agreement that will see MotoGP racing in Thailand and Buriram until at least 2026.

“We are very much looking forward to returning to Thailand, Argentina and Malaysia next year and as always, I would like to thank the fans for their patience and understanding.”