Teams wait for final draft
MOTOGP teams are still awaiting the finalised version of the standard operating procedure (SOP) to be used when the season resumes later this month.
Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team (SRT) spokesperson Pol Bertran said the teams are currently basing their preparations on a first draft of the SOP provided by MotoGP rights holders Dorna.
While Moto2 and Moto3 were able to race at the season opening Qatar GP in March, the full world championship grid — including the premier class — will assemble for the first time this year at the Jerez Circuit for the Spanish GP on July 17-19.
“We are waiting for the last version of this protocol (SOP) from Dorna but we do already know a number of restrictions and measures which will be enforced,” said Pol, in a video press conference held recently.
“For now, we know that we have to do a first (Covid-19) test three days before we travel to Jerez and we also know that we will only be allowed to be at the circuit and the (official) hotel during the race (weekend).
“The number of team members has also been limited and we will be focusing on having full technical staff (on duty), which is very important at this moment.
“We also cannot interact with other teams, or must minimise it as much as possible.
“Other measures include using face masks and shields.”
Malaysian riders competing in the Moto2 and Moto3 categories, as well as those in the feeder CEV championships, have been given the green light to travel abroad by the Home Ministry.
Khairul Idham Pawi (Moto3), Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin (Moto2) and Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah (Moto2) will be leaving for Spain from Friday onwards.
CEV riders Adam Norrodin, Syarifuddin Azman and Sharul Ezwan Sharil left for Portugal on Monday.
The CEV season will kick off with the first race in Estoril on July 7.