MotoGP: Qatar to offer paddock Covid-19 vaccinations

The State of Qatar has offered the Covid-19 vaccination to the MotoGP paddock ahead of the opening two rounds of the 2021 season.

The Losail International circuit will host the opening two race on back-to-back weekends and has hosted the entire pre-season schedule. Riders and teams will work today on the fifth and final day of official testing, whilst rookies and test riders will complete their sixth day in Qatar. 

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By the end of the second race the majority of the paddock will have been in Qatar for around five-six weeks. 

“To ensure the health and safety of the entire tour while they are in Qatar and on their continued travels around the world this season, the Government of the State of Qatar has offered MotoGP access to COVID-19 vaccines,” the official statement reads. “All members of the Championship, including those working and travelling within the MotoGP™️ paddock, will have the chance to be vaccinated against COVID-19.”

“The vaccination program is aimed at increasing the personal safety of all those on-site. It will offer increased protection for those in the MotoGP paddock and all those that come into contact with it as the sport travels the world this season.”

“Qatar has provided incredible sporting moments and many milestones have been achieved together, and it is an honour to add another, even more vital for the longstanding collaboration. The FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports would like to thank the State of Qatar for offering this incredible opportunity to the MotoGP family which will help minimise any risk to the future of the Championship and all its members.”

It’s not yet known how many teams and riders will accept the offer of a vaccination, whilst some teams asked members of the media not to ask about the vaccine during last night’s (March 11) media debriefs.