MXGP 2021 season start could be delayed says Luongo
By Andrew Hill on 6th Feb 21
CEO of Infront Moto Racing David Luongo says a revised 2021 MXGP schedule will probably be revealed soon, signalling a delay to the start of MXGP in 2021 although he remains optimistic about the season and for the attendance of fans.
The FIM had already said last month that it would require "adjustments, flexibility and adaptability among all FIM family members and stakeholders" as the on-going pandemic continued to impact our lives.
Luongo's comments in the latest issue of the MXGP digital publication reflect the sentiments of the FIM's statement. "The situation remains complicated," he said. "There are still a lot of restrictions in the countries, especially for the sport and entertainment industry."
The folks at Infront Moto Racing and the FIM have to take into account the ever-evolving state of public health across numerous countries. This includes the pace of vaccinations, the possibility of new variants of the coronavirus and various levels of restrictions and the speed of which they will be eased.
The relaxing of restrictions not only allows the possibility of racing it offers hope for the fans who are desperate to be there. The attendance of fans is important on so many levels riders feed off the atmosphere, it makes for better TV, it's good for sponsors and the income for the local organisers is vital.
It's one of the main reasons why we could see a delay to the start of the MXGP season. "For 2021, the target to host public is still in our main goals. For this reason, in the upcoming days, we will communicate on the calendar of the 2021 season and it will probably receive some adjustments to start the season a bit later and to give us more flexibility in order to finally organise Grand Prix with public [attendance]," said Luongo.
"As always, I would like to underline the fantastic cooperation we have with all the organisers of the Grand Prix that put together with us and the FIM all their efforts to make it happen.
"We are still very confident that we will be able to run the full championship in its classic format, but as last year, if the situation would remain complicated, we would be ready to adapt ourselves and the format to deliver the best championship possible for all the stakeholders."
Set to get underway in Oman on April 3, the current 2021 MXGP calendar already starts a month later than usual. Last season's campaign was hit by a long delay and a condensed format. However, MXGP was still able to put on a great championship. Luongo appears confident that 2021 can put most of last season's issues behind them and that fans will be there to enjoy it.
More like this…
MXGP 2021 calendar update
The FIM and Infront Moto Racing has announced the following updates to the provisional 2021 FIM Motocross World Championship calendar.
Tim Gajser Q&A: Supercross, MXGP one-day format, off-season prep and more
Last season Team HRC’s Tim Gajser started off the 2020 season by going eight-one at the MXGP of Great Britain on February 29 / March 1. This year, due to the late finish of 2020 campaign, the first race in Oman will drop the gate over a month later on 3rd April, so we caught up with the reigning MXGP champion to see how his preparations for 2021 have been going.
Ben Watson and Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP reveal new colour-way and 2021 preparation
The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team has officially revealed its new look ahead of the 2021 MXGP season.